Using Vibrational Spectroscopy to Diagnose Fibromyalgia and Related Pain Conditions
Official title: Objective tests utilizing Vibrational Spectroscopy for Diagnosis and Severity of Fibromyalgia and Related Pain Syndromes
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11118918 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help diagnose Fibromyalgia and similar conditions by using special technology to analyze samples from patients, aiming to find clear signs that can help doctors make better decisions and reduce the need for pain medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $569,451 |
| NIH project number | 5R33NS117211-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11118918 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who experience chronic widespread pain and may be diagnosed with Fibromyalgia or other central sensitivity syndromes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve chronic pain or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of vibrational spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool for Fibromyalgia (FM) and other central sensitivity syndromes (CSS). By analyzing biological samples, the study aims to identify specific biomarkers that can accurately diagnose FM, which is often misdiagnosed or overlooked. The approach combines both subjective patient reports and objective spectroscopic data to improve diagnosis and treatment options. This innovative methodology seeks to reduce reliance on opioids by providing clearer diagnostic criteria for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses of Fibromyalgia and related conditions, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarker identification techniques for diagnosing chronic pain conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield successful outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hackshaw, Kevin Victor — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Hackshaw, Kevin Victor
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
LARKSPUR-mHealth: a remote positive-emotion program for fibromyalgia
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-
Biomarker-Guided Fibromyalgia Treatment with Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation
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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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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.