Noninvasive deep brain stimulation for fibromyalgia relief
Official title: Noninvasive deep brain neuromodulation for refractory fibromyalgia
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11447697 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A noninvasive ultrasound approach aims to directly modulate deep brain pain circuits to help people with fibromyalgia who don’t respond well to current treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $212,897 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3AR088418-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11447697 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with fibromyalgia who have limited options or inadequate response to existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Some individuals may not respond to neuromodulation or could have contraindications to ultrasound.
What this research studies
Fibromyalgia affects millions and many patients don’t get relief from standard therapies. This project uses focused ultrasound to target deep brain regions involved in pain, with a method that compensates for how the head distorts sound so the treatment is precise. A pilot showed promising pain relief when stimulating the anterior cingulate cortex, and this study will repeatedly target key pain network nodes to try for stronger and longer-lasting benefits. The work advances a circuit-directed approach to pain management that could offer a new option beyond medications and invasive procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience meaningful reductions in pain and improved daily functioning.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary results suggest rapid pain improvement with targeted ultrasound in this region, but larger studies are needed to confirm.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kubanek, Jan — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Kubanek, Jan
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.