Using ear stimulation to treat fibromyalgia in veterans
Auricular Neuromodulation in Veterans with Fibromyalgia: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Study
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 ID | NIH-10992837 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with fibromyalgia who are seeking alternative pain management therapies.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia or are not veterans may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: Preliminary studies have shown promising results with similar non-pharmacologic approaches, indicating potential for success in this trial.
Where this research is happening
Decatur, UNITED STATES
- Veterans Health Administration — Decatur, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woodbury, Anna — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Woodbury, Anna
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 below.