Using ear stimulation to treat fibromyalgia in veterans
Official title: Auricular Neuromodulation in Veterans with Fibromyalgia: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Study
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-10992837 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new, non-drug treatment called auricular percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation (PENFS) to help veterans with fibromyalgia manage their chronic pain, and it will compare how well this treatment works against a fake version to see if it really makes a difference in reducing pain and improving daily life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Decatur, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | October 1, 2024 |
| Project end | September 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1I01RX005050-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992837 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with fibromyalgia who are seeking alternative pain management therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia or are not veterans may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a non-drug treatment for chronic pain in veterans with fibromyalgia using auricular percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation (PENFS). The study will compare the effects of this treatment against a sham control to determine its effectiveness in alleviating pain and improving function. Participants will undergo brain imaging and heart rate variability assessments to understand the treatment's impact on their pain and overall well-being. The study aims to provide a rigorous evaluation of this innovative approach over a significant period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer veterans a new, effective non-pharmacologic treatment option for managing fibromyalgia pain.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown promising results with similar non-pharmacologic approaches, indicating potential for success in this trial.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Decatur, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woodbury, Anna — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Woodbury, Anna
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Noninvasive deep brain stimulation for fibromyalgia relief
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.
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LARKSPUR-mHealth: a remote positive-emotion program for fibromyalgia
A nationwide, fully online program tests whether brief daily skills to boost positive emotions can ease pain and improve daily life for adults with fibromyalgia.
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Biomarker-Guided Fibromyalgia Treatment with Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation
A study to see if non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation can help people with fibromyalgia by balancing gut health and identifying biomarkers to guide treatment.
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Auricular nerve stimulation for fibromyalgia in veterans
Aurasicular nerve stimulation therapy is being tested in veterans with fibromyalgia to see if it reduces pain and improves function compared to a sham treatment.
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Ear nerve stimulation for veterans with fibromyalgia
This tests whether a small electrical device placed on the ear can reduce pain and improve daily function for veterans with fibromyalgia.
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Relationships among mood, inflammation, and pain in Veterans with fibromyalgia
This project explores how feelings, brain inflammation, and pain relate in Veterans living with fibromyalgia and how exercise might help.
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.