Understanding how brain activity affects chronic pain

Explosive Synchronization of Brain Network Activity in Chronic Pain

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10653975

This study is looking at how brain activity affects chronic pain, especially for people with fibromyalgia, and it aims to use gentle brain stimulation to help reduce pain sensitivity and improve comfort.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10653975 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of brain network activity in chronic pain conditions, particularly fibromyalgia. It explores how an imbalance in brain activity may lead to heightened sensitivity to pain and aims to use non-invasive brain stimulation techniques to address this issue. By applying targeted stimulation, the researchers hope to reduce the hypersensitivity of brain networks and alleviate pain symptoms. Patients may be monitored using techniques like electroencephalography (EEG) to assess changes in brain activity.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions, particularly those diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

Not a fit: Patients with acute pain conditions or those not experiencing chronic pain may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments for chronic pain conditions, improving the quality of life for many patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of explosive synchronization in brain networks is relatively novel, similar approaches using non-invasive brain stimulation have shown promise in other areas of pain management.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.