Investigating brain factors that affect fibromyalgia pain treatment

Brain Imaging Study on Biomarkers for Fibromyalgia

This study is testing how different brain and personal factors affect pain treatment for people with fibromyalgia to find better ways to help them feel better.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 35 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 75 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Nova Scotia Health Authority (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
• Trial ID: NCT03910010 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to explore the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence the effectiveness of pain treatments in individuals suffering from fibromyalgia. By identifying specific biomarkers, the researchers hope to develop tailored treatment strategies that can improve patient outcomes. Participants will undergo assessments to evaluate their chronic pain and related characteristics, with the goal of enhancing the understanding of how these factors interact with pain management. The study will utilize placebos as part of its methodology to assess treatment responses.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include right-handed individuals aged 18-75 who have chronic low back pain and meet specific pain criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cardiac, respiratory, or nervous system diseases, or those with contraindications to MRI scanning may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective pain management strategies for fibromyalgia patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies exploring biomarkers in pain management, this specific approach to fibromyalgia treatment is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Chronic pain participant inclusion criteria:

  1. 18-75 years of age
  2. Right-handed
  3. Meet the classification criteria of chronic low back pain (having low back pain for more than 6 months).
  4. At least 4/10 clinical pain on the Brief Pain Inventory Scale on average during the two weeks prior to enrollment
  5. Comfortable completing (reading and writing) questionnaires and tasks with English language instructions

Healthy participant inclusion criteria:

1. 18 - 75 years of age
2. Right-handed
3. Comfortable completing (reading and writing) questionnaires and tasks with English language instructions

Exclusion Criteria:

Chronic pain participant exclusion criteria:

1. History of cardiac, respiratory, or nervous system disease that may interfere with participation in the study or cause heightened potential for adverse outcome. For example: asthma or claustrophobia
2. Presence of any contraindications to MRI scanning. For example:

cardiac pacemaker, metal implants, fear of closed spaces, pregnancy

Healthy participant exclusion criteria:

1. Acute or chronic pain
2. History of cardiac, respiratory, or nervous system disease that, in the investigator's judgment and by asking the participant about their comfort level and ability, precludes participation in the study because of a heightened potential for adverse outcome. For example: asthma or claustrophobia
3. Presence of any contraindications to MRI scanning. For example:

cardiac pacemaker, metal implants, fear of closed spaces, pregnancy.

Where this trial is running

Halifax, Nova Scotia

• Nova Scotia Health Authority — Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Javeria A Hashmi, PhD

Conditions Fibromyalgia