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Cheng YC, Chen WY, Su MI, Tu YK, Chiu CC, Huang WL. Efficacy of neuromodulation on the treatment of fibromyalgia: A network meta-analysis. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2024; 87:103-123. [PMID: 38382420 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2024.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several types of neuromodulation have been investigated for the treatment of fibromyalgia, but they show varied efficacy on pain, functioning, comorbid depression and comorbid anxiety. Whether some types of neuromodulation or some factors are associated with a better response also awaits clarification. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy of neuromodulation in patients with fibromyalgia. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and PsycINFO before March 2022. We employed a frequentist random-effects network meta-analysis. RESULTS Forty trials involving 1541 participants were included. Compared with sham control interventions, several types of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), and high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) were associated with significant reduction of pain, depression, anxiety, and improvement in functioning. Many significantly effective treatment options involve stimulation of the primary motor cortex or dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSION We concluded that several types of rTMS, tDCS and tRNS may have the potential to be applied for clinical purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Chih Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital, China Medical University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Research Center of Big Data and Meta-analysis, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yin Chen
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Songde branch, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Min-I Su
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taitung MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taitung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Business Administration, College of Management, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Kang Tu
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chiang Chiu
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Songde branch, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lieh Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Cerebellar Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan.
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Yang CL, Qu Y, Huang JP, Wang TT, Zhang H, Chen Y, Tan YC. Efficacy and safety of transcranial direct current stimulation in the treatment of fibromyalgia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurophysiol Clin 2024; 54:102944. [PMID: 38387108 DOI: 10.1016/j.neucli.2024.102944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To update a systematic review of the efficacy and safety of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for analgesia, for antidepressant effects, and to reduce the impact of fibromyalgia (FM), looking for optimal areas of stimulation. METHODS We searched five databases to identify randomized controlled trials comparing active and sham tDCS for FM. The primary outcome was pain intensity, and secondary outcome measures included FM Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and depression score. Meta-analysis was conducted using standardized mean difference (SMD). Subgroup analysis was performed to determine the effects of different regional stimulation, over the primary motor cortex (M1), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), opercular-insular cortex (OIC), and occipital nerve (ON) regions. We analyzed the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) by the value of the mean difference (MD) for an 11-point scale for pain, the Beck Depressive Inventory-II (BDI-II), and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) score. We described the certainty of the evidence (COE) using the tool GRADE profile. RESULTS Twenty studies were included in the analysis. Active tDCS had a positive effect on pain (SMD= -1.04; 95 % CI -1.38 to -0.69), depression (SMD= -0.46; 95 % CI -0.64 to -0.29), FIQ (SMD= -0.73; 95 % CI -1.09 to -0.36), COE is moderate. Only group M1 (SD=-1.57) and DLPFC (SD=-1.44) could achieve MCID for analgesia; For BDI-II, only group DLPFC (SD=-5.36) could achieve an MCID change. Adverse events were mild. CONCLUSION tDCS is a safe intervention that relieves pain intensity, reduces depression, and reduces the impact of FM on life. Achieving an MCID is related to the stimulation site and the target symptom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Lan Yang
- Minda Hospital of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi 445000, Hubei, China; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yun Qu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jia-Peng Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Ting-Ting Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yin Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying-Chao Tan
- Enshi Prefecture Central Hospital, Enshi 445000, Hubei, China.
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Wang S, Du SH, Wang XQ, Lu JY. Mechanisms of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for pain in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1269636. [PMID: 38356687 PMCID: PMC10865494 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1269636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a recurrent pain condition that can be challenging to treat. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has become a promising non-invasive therapeutic option in alleviating FMS pain, but the mechanisms underlying its effectiveness are not yet fully understood. In this article, we discuss the most current research investigating the analgesic effects of tDCS on FMS and discuss the potential mechanisms. TDCS may exert its analgesic effects by influencing neuronal activity in the brain, altering cortical excitability, changing regional cerebral blood flow, modulating neurotransmission and neuroinflammation, and inducing neuroplasticity. Overall, evidence points to tDCS as a potentially safe and efficient pain relief choice for FMS by multiple underlying mechanisms. This article provides a thorough overview of our ongoing knowledge regarding the mechanisms underlying tDCS and emphasizes the possibility of further studies to improve the clinical utility of tDCS as a pain management tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Wang
- Department of Health School, Shanghai Normal University Tianhua College, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Hao Du
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Qiang Wang
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-Yan Lu
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Azarkolah A, Noorbala AA, Ansari S, Hallajian AH, Salehinejad MA. Efficacy of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Pain Level and Disability of Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials with Parallel-Group Design. Brain Sci 2023; 14:26. [PMID: 38248241 PMCID: PMC10813480 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14010026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been increasingly applied in fibromyalgia (FM) to reduce pain and fatigue. While results are promising, observed effects are variable, and there are questions about optimal stimulation parameters such as target region (e.g., motor vs. prefrontal cortices). This systematic review aimed to provide the latest update on published randomized controlled trials with a parallel-group design to examine the specific effects of active tDCS in reducing pain and disability in FM patients. Using the PRISMA approach, a literature search identified 14 randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of tDCS on pain and fatigue in patients with FM. Assessment of biases shows an overall low-to-moderate risk of bias. tDCS was found effective in all included studies conducted in patients with FM, except one study, in which the improving effects of tDCS were due to placebo. We recommended tDCS over the motor and prefrontal cortices as "effective" and "probably effective" respectively, and also safe for reducing pain perception and fatigue in patients with FM, according to evidence-based guidelines. Stimulation polarity was anodal in all studies, and one single-session study also examined cathodal polarity. The stimulation intensity ranged from 1-mA (7.14% of studies) to 1.5-mA (7.14% of studies) and 2-mA (85.7% of studies). In all of the included studies, a significant improvement in at least one outcome variable (pain or fatigue reduction) was observed. Moreover, 92.8% (13 of 14) applied multi-session tDCS protocols in FM treatment and reported significant improvement in their outcome variables. While tDCS is therapeutically effective for FM, titration studies that systematically evaluate different stimulation intensities, durations, and electrode placement are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Azarkolah
- Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran P.O. Box 1416634793, Iran
- Psychosomatic Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran P.O. Box 1416634793, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ali Noorbala
- Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran P.O. Box 1416634793, Iran
- Psychosomatic Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran P.O. Box 1416634793, Iran
| | - Sahar Ansari
- Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran P.O. Box 1416634793, Iran
- Psychosomatic Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran P.O. Box 1416634793, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Ali Salehinejad
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz-Institut für Arbeitsforschung, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
- School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran P.O. Box 1956836613, Iran
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Lim RY, Ang KK, Chew E, Guan C. A Review on Motor Imagery with Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation: Bridging Motor and Cognitive Welfare for Patient Rehabilitation. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1584. [PMID: 38002544 PMCID: PMC10670393 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Research has shown the effectiveness of motor imagery in patient motor rehabilitation. Transcranial electrical stimulation has also demonstrated to improve patient motor and non-motor performance. However, mixed findings from motor imagery studies that involved transcranial electrical stimulation suggest that current experimental protocols can be further improved towards a unified design for consistent and effective results. This paper aims to review, with some clinical and neuroscientific findings from literature as support, studies of motor imagery coupled with different types of transcranial electrical stimulation and their experiments onhealthy and patient subjects. This review also includes the cognitive domains of working memory, attention, and fatigue, which are important for designing consistent and effective therapy protocols. Finally, we propose a theoretical all-inclusive framework that synergizes the three cognitive domains with motor imagery and transcranial electrical stimulation for patient rehabilitation, which holds promise of benefiting patients suffering from neuromuscular and cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosary Yuting Lim
- Institute for Infocomm Research, Agency for Science Technology and Research, A*STAR, 1 Fusionopolis Way, #21-01 Connexis, Singapore 138632, Singapore;
| | - Kai Keng Ang
- Institute for Infocomm Research, Agency for Science Technology and Research, A*STAR, 1 Fusionopolis Way, #21-01 Connexis, Singapore 138632, Singapore;
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Ave., #32 Block N4 #02a, Singapore 639798, Singapore;
| | - Effie Chew
- Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Rd, Singapore 119074, Singapore;
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Dr, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Cuntai Guan
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Ave., #32 Block N4 #02a, Singapore 639798, Singapore;
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Moshfeghinia R, Shekouh D, Mostafavi S, Hosseinzadeh M, Bahadori AR, Abdollahifard S, Razmkon A. The effects of transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) on pain intensity of patients with fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:395. [PMID: 37919664 PMCID: PMC10621179 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03445-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has shown promise as a potential treatment for FM by modulating pain perception and reducing symptoms, such as fatigue and depression. We aimed to systematically review studies that assess the effect of tDCS on pain reduction in FM patients. METHODS Seven electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane, and CINAHL Complete) were searched for records in English. Studies that measured the effect of tDCS on pain intensity in FM patients were included. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. A random-effect model was preferred, and statistical analysis was performed by Stata software version 17. RESULTS Twenty studies were included for qualitative, and eleven for quantitative analysis. Out of 664 patients included in the study, 443 were in the stimulation group. The left M1 area was the most common stimulation target (n = 12), and 2 mA was the most common stimulation amplitude (n = 19). The analysis showed that active tDCS significantly reduced pain intensity in FM patients in comparison to the sham group (SMD= -1.55; 95% CI -2.10, -0.99); also, no publication bias was noted. CONCLUSION Our systematic review highlights the potential effect of tDCS on the reduction of pain intensity in FM patients. Additionally, this current evidence could suggest that tDCS applied at an intensity of 2mA to the left M1 is the most effective strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Moshfeghinia
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Research Center for Neuromodulation and Pain, 4th floor, Boghrat building, Zand Street, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Dorsa Shekouh
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Research Center for Neuromodulation and Pain, 4th floor, Boghrat building, Zand Street, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sara Mostafavi
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Research Center for Neuromodulation and Pain, 4th floor, Boghrat building, Zand Street, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehrnaz Hosseinzadeh
- Fasa Neuroscience Circle (FNC), Student Research Committee, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Bahadori
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Research Center for Neuromodulation and Pain, 4th floor, Boghrat building, Zand Street, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeed Abdollahifard
- Research Center for Neuromodulation and Pain, 4th floor, Boghrat building, Zand Street, Shiraz, Iran
- School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Razmkon
- Research Center for Neuromodulation and Pain, 4th floor, Boghrat building, Zand Street, Shiraz, Iran.
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Teixeira PEP, Pacheco-Barrios K, Branco LC, de Melo PS, Marduy A, Caumo W, Papatheodorou S, Keysor J, Fregni F. The Analgesic Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression of Potential Influencers of Clinical Effect. Neuromodulation 2023; 26:715-727. [PMID: 36435660 PMCID: PMC10203058 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2022.10.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is tentative evidence to support the analgesic effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in fibromyalgia (FM), with large variability in the effect size (ES) encountered in different clinical trials. Understanding the source of the variability and exploring how it relates to the clinical results could characterize effective neuromodulation protocols and ultimately guide care in FM pain. The primary objective of this study was to determine the effect of tDCS in FM pain as compared with sham tDCS. The secondary objective was to explore the relationship of methodology, population, and intervention factors and the analgesic effect of tDCS in FM. MATERIALS AND METHODS For the primary objective, a systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating tDCS as an intervention for FM pain were searched in MEDLINE, Embase, and the Web Of Science. Studies were excluded if they used cross-over designs or if they did not use tDCS as an intervention for pain or did not measure clinical pain. Analysis for the main outcome was performed using a random-effects model. Risk of bias and evidence certainty were assessed for all studies using Cochrane Risk of Bias and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tools. For the secondary objective, a meta-regression was conducted to explore methodology, population, and intervention factors potentially related to the ES. RESULTS Sixteen RCTs were included. Six studies presented a high risk of bias. Significant reduction in pain scores were found for FM (standardized mean difference = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.80-1.65, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis considering tDCS as a neural target revealed no differences between common neural sites. Meta-regression revealed that the duration of the tDCS protocol in weeks was the only factor associated with the ES, in which protocols that lasted four weeks or longer reported larger ES than shorter protocols. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest an analgesic effect of tDCS in FM. tDCS protocols that last four weeks or more may be associated with larger ESs. Definite conclusions are inadequate given the large heterogeneity and limited quality of evidence of the included studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo E P Teixeira
- MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, USA; Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Kevin Pacheco-Barrios
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Unidad de Investigación para la Generación y Síntesis de Evidencias en Salud, Lima, Peru
| | - Luis Castelo Branco
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paulo S de Melo
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anna Marduy
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wolnei Caumo
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA; Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Pain and Palliative Care Service at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Julie Keysor
- MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Linnhoff S, Haghikia A, Zaehle T. Effects of repetitive twice-weekly transcranial direct current stimulations on fatigue and fatigability in people with multiple sclerosis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5878. [PMID: 37041183 PMCID: PMC10090173 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32779-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatigue is associated with a dramatically decreased quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). It refers to a constant subjective feeling of exhaustion and performance decline, known as fatigability. However, inconsistency and heterogeneity in defining and assessing fatigue have led to limited advances in understanding and treating MS-associated fatigue. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a promising, non-pharmaceutical treatment strategy for subjective fatigue. However, whether repetitive tDCS also have long-term effects on time-on-task performance has not yet been investigated. This pseudorandomized, single-blinded, and sham-controlled study investigated tDCS effects on behavioral and electrophysiological parameters. 18 pwMS received eight twice-weekly 30 min stimulations over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Fatigability was operationalized as time-on-task-related changes in reaction time variability and P300 amplitude. Additionally, subjective trait and state fatigue ratings were assessed. The results revealed an overall decrease in subjective trait fatigue ratings that lasted at least four weeks after the stimulations. However, the ratings declined after both anodal and sham tDCS. No effects were found on subjective state fatigue and objective fatigability parameters. Linear Mixed Models and Bayesian Regression models likewise favored the absence of a tDCS effect on fatigability parameters. The results confirm the complex relationship between MS-associated fatigue and fatigability. Reliable and clinically relevant parameters need to be established to extend the potential of tDCS for treating fatigability. Furthermore, our results indicate that consecutive stimulations rather than twice-weekly stimulations should be the preferred stimulation scheme in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Linnhoff
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Leipziger Street 44, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Aiden Haghikia
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Leipziger Street 44, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), 39106, Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Tino Zaehle
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Leipziger Street 44, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany.
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), 39106, Magdeburg, Germany.
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Conde-Antón Á, Heranando-Garijo I, Jiménez-Del-Barrio S, Mingo-Gómez MT, Medrano-de-la-Fuente R, Ceballos-Laita L. Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with fibromyalgia. A systematic review. Neurologia 2023:S2173-5808(23)00009-3. [PMID: 37031798 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2020.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) is a chronic pathology characterized by widespread pain commonly associated with psychological distress affecting quality of life. In recent years, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) have been investigated to treat chronic pain. The aim of the current review is to determine the effects of tDCS and TMS on the main symptoms of patients with FM. DEVELOPMENT A systematic review based on PRISMA guidelines was carried out. The search strategy was performed in MEDLINE, SCOPUS, PEDro and Cochrane Library. Randomized controlled trials based on the effects of tDCS and TMS on pain, pressure pain threshold (PPT), fatigue, anxiety and depression, catastrophizing and quality of life in patients with FM were analysed. Fourteen studies were included. CONCLUSIONS The application of tDCS to the motor cortex is the only intervention shown to decrease pain in the short and medium-term in patients with FM. The application of both interventions showed improvements in PPT, catastrophizing and quality of life when applied to the motor cortex, and in fatigue when applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The effects of these interventions on anxiety and depression are unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángela Conde-Antón
- Facultad de Fisioterapia, Universidad de Valladolid, c/Universidad s/n Soria, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | - Luis Ceballos-Laita
- Facultad de Fisioterapia, Universidad de Valladolid, c/Universidad s/n Soria, Spain.
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Treating fibromyalgia with electrical neuromodulation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Neurophysiol 2023; 148:17-28. [PMID: 36774784 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2023.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several types of electrical neuromodulation (such as transcranial direct current stimulation, tDCS; transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) have been applied in the treatment of fibromyalgia. These trials had different outcome measurements, such as subjective pain, pain threshold, depression, anxiety, and functioning. We intended to integrate data from different trials into a meta-analysis to clearly present the clinical value of electrical neuromodulation in fibromyalgia. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing the effect of all types of electrical neuromodulation in patients with fibromyalgia was conducted. The main outcome was subjective pain; the secondary outcomes included depression, anxiety, and functioning. RESULTS Twenty-five studies and 1061 fibromyalgia patients were included in the quantitative analysis. Active electrical neuromodulation and active tDCS both showed significant effects on subjective pain, depression, and functioning. For different anode tDCS electrode positions, only F3-F4 revealed a significant effect on depression. Meta-regression tDCS effects on depression were significantly associated with age. CONCLUSIONS Electrical neuromodulation is significantly effective in treating pain, depression, and functioning in patients with fibromyalgia. SIGNIFICANCE The results may help clinicians to arrange effective treatment plans for patients with fibromyalgia, especially in those patients who reveal limited response to pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy.
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Molero-Chamizo A, Nitsche MA, Barroso RTA, Bailén JRA, Palomeque JCG, Rivera-Urbina GN. Non-Invasive Electric and Magnetic Brain Stimulation for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030954. [PMID: 36979932 PMCID: PMC10046115 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Although fibromyalgia is defined by its core muscular nociceptive component, it also includes multiple dysfunctions that involve the musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, immune, endocrine, as well as the central and peripheral nervous systems, amongst others. The pathogenic involvement of the nervous system and the numerous neurological and neuroinflammatory symptoms of this disease may benefit from neuromodulatory stimulation techniques that have been shown to be effective and safe in diverse nervous system pathologies. In this systematic review, we outline current evidence showing the potential of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as therapeutic strategies in fibromyalgia. In addition, we evaluate the contribution of these tools to the exploration of the neurophysiological characteristics of fibromyalgia. Considering that the pathogenesis of this disease is unknown, these approaches do not aim to causally treat this syndrome, but to significantly reduce a range of key symptoms and thus improve the quality of life of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Molero-Chamizo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychology, University of Huelva, Campus El Carmen, 21071 Huelva, Spain
| | - Michael A Nitsche
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Center for Working Environment and Human Factors, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
- University Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and University Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Protestant Hospital of Bethel Foundation, University Hospital OWL, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | | | - José R Alameda Bailén
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychology, University of Huelva, Campus El Carmen, 21071 Huelva, Spain
| | - Jesús Carlos García Palomeque
- Histology Department, School of Medicine, Cadiz University, 11001 Cádiz, Spain
- Cadiz Bahia Sur District, Andalusian Health Service, 11006 Cádiz, Spain
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Loreti EH, Freire AM, Alexandre da Silva A, Kakuta E, Martins Neto UR, Konkiewitz EC. Effects of Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on the Primary Motor Cortex in Women With Fibromyalgia: A Randomized, Triple-Blind Clinical Trial. Neuromodulation 2023:S1094-7159(22)01370-8. [PMID: 36702675 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of ten sessions of active transcranial direct current stimulation transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) (2 mA) with 13:20:13 stimulation at M1 in women with fibromyalgia (FM). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first article that uses this protocol in patients with FM. The main hypothesis is that the protocol would be effective in decreasing pain and that the results would last for up to 90 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was a randomized clinical trial with 35 women with FM divided into two groups, active tDCS group and sham tDCS group. A conventional tDCS device was used to deliver 2 mA for 13 minutes, with a 20-minute break followed by a further 13 minutes of stimulation for ten sessions. The anodal stimulus was in the left primary motor cortex M1 region. The primary outcome was a change in the visual analog scale and the Survey of Pain Attitudes pain score at the end of treatment, after 30 days, and 90 days after the end of treatment. Secondary outcomes included changes in the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, World Health Organization's Quality of Life Questionnaire, and Fatigue Assessment Scale. The Research Ethics Committee of the Centro Universitário da Grande Dourados under registration number Certificado de Apresentação de Apreciação Ética approved this research: 36444920.5.0000.5159. The study was registered in The Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials with the identifier RBR-8wc8rjq. RESULTS The active tDCS group showed improvement in pain after ten sessions (p < 0.001), after 30 days (p < 0.01), and after 90 days (p < 0.001) compared with sham tDCS. In addition, improvement in quality of life (QoL) and fatigue was observed in the active tDCS group. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that active tDCS with an intensity of 2 mA for ten sessions was effective in decreasing pain and fatigue and improving QoL in patients with FM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ariana Mendes Freire
- Department of Physiotherapy, Grande Dourados University Center, Dourados, Brazil
| | | | - Elaine Kakuta
- Department of Health Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Brazil
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Samartin-Veiga N, González-Villar AJ, Pidal-Miranda M, Vázquez-Millán A, Carrillo-de-la-Peña MT. Active and sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) improved quality of life in female patients with fibromyalgia. Qual Life Res 2022; 31:2519-2534. [PMID: 35229253 PMCID: PMC9250466 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-022-03106-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome with a strong impact on quality of life (QoL). Treatment of this condition remains a challenge, due to the scarce evidence for the effectiveness of the therapeutic approaches available. Current attention is focused on transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which has yielded promising results for pain treatment. Rather than focusing only on pain relief, in this study, we aimed to determine how active or sham tDCS (over three cortical targets -the primary motor cortex, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the operculo-insular cortex-) affect QoL in patients with FM. METHODS Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled design, we applied fifteen tDCS sessions of 20' to initial 130 participants (randomized to any of the four treatment groups). We evaluated the QoL (assessed by SF-36) and the symptoms' impact (assessed by FIQ-R) in baseline, after treatment and at 6 months follow-up. RESULTS All groups were comparable as regards age, medication pattern and severity of symptoms before the treatment. We found that QoL and symptoms' impact improved in all treatment groups (including the sham) and this improvement lasted for up to 6 months. However, we did not observe any group effect nor group*treatment interaction. CONCLUSIONS After the intervention, we observed a non-specific effect that may be due to placebo, favoured by the expectations of tDCS efficacy and psychosocial variables inherent to the intervention (daily relationship with therapists and other patients in the clinic). Therefore, active tDCS is not superior to sham stimulation in improving QoL in FM.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Samartin-Veiga
- Brain and Pain (BaP) Lab, Departamento de Psicoloxía Clínica y Psicobioloxía, Facultade de Psicoloxia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain.
| | - A J González-Villar
- Psychological Neuroscience Lab, Research Center in Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - M Pidal-Miranda
- Brain and Pain (BaP) Lab, Departamento de Psicoloxía Clínica y Psicobioloxía, Facultade de Psicoloxia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - A Vázquez-Millán
- Brain and Pain (BaP) Lab, Departamento de Psicoloxía Clínica y Psicobioloxía, Facultade de Psicoloxia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - M T Carrillo-de-la-Peña
- Brain and Pain (BaP) Lab, Departamento de Psicoloxía Clínica y Psicobioloxía, Facultade de Psicoloxia, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
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Samartin-Veiga N, Pidal-Miranda M, González-Villar AJ, Bradley C, Garcia-Larrea L, O'Brien AT, Carrillo-de-la-Peña MT. Transcranial direct current stimulation of 3 cortical targets is no more effective than placebo as treatment for fibromyalgia: a double-blind sham-controlled clinical trial. Pain 2022; 163:e850-e861. [PMID: 34561393 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex seem to improve pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia (FM), although the evidence on the effectiveness of tDCS and the optimal stimulation target is not robust enough. Our main objective was to establish the optimal area of stimulation, comparing the 2 classical targets and a novel pain-related area, the operculo-insular cortex, in a sham-controlled trial. Using a double-blind design, we randomly assigned 130 women with FM to 4 treatment groups (M1, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, operculo-insular cortex, and sham), each receiving fifteen 20-minute sessions of 2 mA anodal tDCS over the left hemisphere. Our primary outcome was pain intensity. The secondary outcomes were the other core symptoms of FM (fatigue, mood, cognitive and sleep disorders, and hyperalgesia measured by the pressure pain threshold). We performed the assessment at 3 time points (before, immediately after treatment, and at 6 months follow-up). The linear mixed-model analysis of variances showed significant treatment effects across time for clinical pain and for fatigue, cognitive and sleep disturbances, and experimental pain, irrespective of the group. In mood, the 3 active tDCS groups showed a significantly larger improvement in anxiety and depression than sham. Our findings provide evidence of a placebo effect, support the use of tDCS for the treatment of affective symptoms, and challenge the effectiveness of tDCS as treatment of FM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Samartin-Veiga
- Brain and Pain (BaP) Lab, Departamento de Psicoloxía Clínica y Psicobioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Marina Pidal-Miranda
- Brain and Pain (BaP) Lab, Departamento de Psicoloxía Clínica y Psicobioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Alberto J González-Villar
- Department of Basic Psychology, Psychological Neuroscience Lab, Research Center in Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Claire Bradley
- Inserm U 1028, NeuroPain Team, Neuroscience Research Center of Lyon (CRNL), Lyon-1 University, Bron, France
- Pain Unit, Pierre Wertheimer Neurological Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
- Queensland Brain Institute, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Luis Garcia-Larrea
- Inserm U 1028, NeuroPain Team, Neuroscience Research Center of Lyon (CRNL), Lyon-1 University, Bron, France
- Pain Unit, Pierre Wertheimer Neurological Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | | | - María T Carrillo-de-la-Peña
- Brain and Pain (BaP) Lab, Departamento de Psicoloxía Clínica y Psicobioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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15
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Matias MGL, Germano Maciel D, França IM, Cerqueira MS, Silva TCLA, Okano AH, Pegado R, Brito Vieira WH. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Associated With Functional Exercise Program for Treating Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2021; 103:245-254. [PMID: 34480887 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) associated with functional exercise on pain, functional performance, psychological symptoms, and quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia (FM). DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized by blocks into 2 groups: tDCS associated with functional exercise (n=17) and sham-tDCS associated with functional exercise (n=14). SETTING Laboratory of neuromuscular performance in the department of physical therapy. PARTICIPANTS Women with FM (N=31) according to American College of Rheumatology-2010 criteria. INTERVENTIONS Anodal tDCS or sham-tDCS was applied over the left motor cortex for 5 consecutive days during the first week of intervention (2 mA; 20min). All volunteers also engaged in 8 weeks of functional exercises 3 times per week. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Pain intensity, functional performance, psychological symptoms, and quality of life were assessed pre-exercise and immediately after the first, fourth, and eighth weeks of intervention. RESULTS Pain intensity, functional performance, psychological symptoms, and quality of life increased significantly in both groups (P<.05); however, no significant differences between groups were found in all outcomes (P>.05). CONCLUSION tDCS associated with functional exercises did not enhance the effects of physical exercise on pain, functional performance, psychological symptoms, and quality of life of patients with FM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monayane G L Matias
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte
| | - Daniel Germano Maciel
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte
| | - Ingrid M França
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte
| | - Mikhail S Cerqueira
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte
| | - Tatiana C L A Silva
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte
| | - Alexandre H Okano
- Center of Mathematics, Computation and Cognition, Federal University of ABC, São Bernardo, São Paulo
| | - Rodrigo Pegado
- Faculty of Health Science of Trairi, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Wouber H Brito Vieira
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte.
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tDCS randomized controlled trials in no-structural diseases: a quantitative review. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16311. [PMID: 34381076 PMCID: PMC8357949 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95084-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing number and quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) employing transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) denote the rising awareness of neuroscientific community about its electroceutical potential and opening to include these treatments in the framework of medical therapies under the indications of the international authorities. The purpose of this quantitative review is to estimate the recommendation strength applying the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) criteria and PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcome) model values for effective tDCS treatments on no-structural diseases, and to provide an estimate of Sham effect for future RCTs. Applying GRADE evaluation pathway, we searched in literature the tDCS-based RCTs in psychophysical diseases displaying a major involvement of brain electrical activity imbalances. Three independent authors agreed on Class 1 RCTs (18 studies) and meta-analyses were carried out using a random-effects model for pathologies sub-selected based on PICO and systemic involvement criteria. The meta-analysis integrated with extensive evidence of negligible side effects and low-cost, easy-to-use procedures, indicated that tDCS treatments for depression and fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis ranked between moderately and highly recommendable. For these interventions we reported the PICO variables, with left vs. right dorsolateral prefrontal target for 30 min/10 days against depression and bilateral somatosensory vs occipital target for 15 min/5 days against MS fatigue. An across-diseases meta-analysis devoted to the Sham effect provided references for power analysis in future tDCS RCTs on these clinical conditions. High-quality indications support tDCS as a promising tool to build electroceutical treatments against diseases involving neurodynamics alterations.
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Fregni F, El-Hagrassy MM, Pacheco-Barrios K, Carvalho S, Leite J, Simis M, Brunelin J, Nakamura-Palacios EM, Marangolo P, Venkatasubramanian G, San-Juan D, Caumo W, Bikson M, Brunoni AR. Evidence-Based Guidelines and Secondary Meta-Analysis for the Use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 24:256-313. [PMID: 32710772 PMCID: PMC8059493 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyaa051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcranial direct current stimulation has shown promising clinical results, leading to increased demand for an evidence-based review on its clinical effects. OBJECTIVE We convened a team of transcranial direct current stimulation experts to conduct a systematic review of clinical trials with more than 1 session of stimulation testing: pain, Parkinson's disease motor function and cognition, stroke motor function and language, epilepsy, major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, Tourette syndrome, schizophrenia, and drug addiction. METHODS Experts were asked to conduct this systematic review according to the search methodology from PRISMA guidelines. Recommendations on efficacy were categorized into Levels A (definitely effective), B (probably effective), C (possibly effective), or no recommendation. We assessed risk of bias for all included studies to confirm whether results were driven by potentially biased studies. RESULTS Although most of the clinical trials have been designed as proof-of-concept trials, some of the indications analyzed in this review can be considered as definitely effective (Level A), such as depression, and probably effective (Level B), such as neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, migraine, post-operative patient-controlled analgesia and pain, Parkinson's disease (motor and cognition), stroke (motor), epilepsy, schizophrenia, and alcohol addiction. Assessment of bias showed that most of the studies had low risk of biases, and sensitivity analysis for bias did not change these results. Effect sizes vary from 0.01 to 0.70 and were significant in about 8 conditions, with the largest effect size being in postoperative acute pain and smaller in stroke motor recovery (nonsignificant when combined with robotic therapy). CONCLUSION All recommendations listed here are based on current published PubMed-indexed data. Despite high levels of evidence in some conditions, it must be underscored that effect sizes and duration of effects are often limited; thus, real clinical impact needs to be further determined with different study designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Fregni
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mirret M El-Hagrassy
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kevin Pacheco-Barrios
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Unidad de Investigación para la Generación y Síntesis de Evidencias en Salud, Lima, Peru
| | - Sandra Carvalho
- Neurotherapeutics and experimental Psychopathology Group (NEP), Psychological Neuroscience Laboratory, CIPsi, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
| | - Jorge Leite
- I2P-Portucalense Institute for Psychology, Universidade Portucalense, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marcel Simis
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Institute of the University of Sao Paulo Medical School General Hospital, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jerome Brunelin
- CH Le Vinatier, PSYR2 team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, UCB Lyon 1, Bron, France
| | - Ester Miyuki Nakamura-Palacios
- Laboratory of Cognitive Sciences and Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Espírito Santo, Brasil (Dr Nakamura-Palacios)
| | - Paola Marangolo
- Dipartimento di Studi Umanistici, Università Federico II, Naples, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Ganesan Venkatasubramanian
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Daniel San-Juan
- Neurophysiology Department, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery Manuel Velasco Suárez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Wolnei Caumo
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) Surgery Department, School of Medicine, UFRGS; Pain and Palliative Care Service at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marom Bikson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of New York of CUNY, New York, New York
| | - André R Brunoni
- Service of Interdisciplinary Neuromodulation, Laboratory of Neurosciences (LIM-27), Department and Institute of Psychiatry & Department of Internal Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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García-Barajas G, Serrano-Muñoz D, Gómez-Soriano Pt J, Avendaño-Coy J, Fernández-Carnero J, García AM, Segura-Fragosa A, Taylor J. Efficacy of anodal suboccipital direct current stimulation for endogenous pain modulation and tonic thermal pain control in healthy participants: a randomised controlled clinical trial. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 22:2908-2917. [PMID: 33822227 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess whether anodal DCS applied to the suboccipital (SO) target area could potentiate antinociception assessed primarily with conditioned pain modulation of tonic thermal test stimuli. DESIGN Randomised double-blinded control trial. SETTING Rehabilitation hospital. SUBJECTS Healthy participants. METHODS Forty healthy participants were randomized to receive either SO-DCS or M1-DCS. The 20-minute 1.5mA anodal or sham DCS intervention were applied to each participant in randomised order during two test sessions. The primary outcome measure included heterotopic cold-pressor conditioned pain modulation (CPM) of tonic heat pain. Secondary measures included pressure pain threshold and tonic thermal pain intensity. RESULTS Heterotopic CPM of tonic heat pain intensity was unaffected by either SO-DCS or active M1, including the secondary measures of pressure pain threshold and tonic thermal pain intensity. Although low-power non-significant interactions were identified for DCS intervention (active versus sham) and time (before and after), a significant within-group inhibition of tonic cold pain was identified following SO-DCS (p = 0.011, mean [SD]: -0.76±0.88 points) and M1-DCS (p < 0.002: -0.84±0.82 points), without a significant change following sham DCS. CONCLUSIONS Although heterotopic CPM was not facilitated with either SO-DCS or M1-DCS, a general significant inhibition of tonic cold pain intensity was demonstrated following both interventions. The general effects of active DCS compared to sham on tonic cold pain-irrespective of the M1 or SO target-need to be confirmed using standard quantitative sensory testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo García-Barajas
- Sensorimotor Function Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, Toledo, Spain.,Escuela Internacional de Doctorado, Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Rey Juan Carlos University, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Diego Serrano-Muñoz
- Toledo Physiotherapy Research Group (GIFTO), Faculty of Physiotherapy and Nursing, Universidad Castilla La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
| | - Julio Gómez-Soriano Pt
- Toledo Physiotherapy Research Group (GIFTO), Faculty of Physiotherapy and Nursing, Universidad Castilla La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
| | - Juan Avendaño-Coy
- Toledo Physiotherapy Research Group (GIFTO), Faculty of Physiotherapy and Nursing, Universidad Castilla La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
| | - Josue Fernández-Carnero
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain.,La Paz Hospital Institute for Health Research, IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain.,Grupo Multidisciplinar de Investigación y Tratamiento del Dolor, Grupo de Excelencia Investigadora, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos-Banco de Santander, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alvaro Megía García
- Biomechanical and Technical Aids Unit, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, Toledo, Spain
| | | | - Julian Taylor
- Sensorimotor Function Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, Toledo, Spain.,Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) versus transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in the management of patients with fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial. Neurophysiol Clin 2021; 51:339-347. [PMID: 33814258 DOI: 10.1016/j.neucli.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to compare the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on pain and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia. METHODS Thirty participants were randomized into two groups of 15 patients, to receive 3 sessions of either high-frequency (10 Hz) rTMS or 2 mA, 20 min anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) over 1 week. Pain was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before treatment, immediately after treatment, 6 and 12 weeks later. Quality of life was evaluated using the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) and psychiatric symptoms were measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 Item (DASS-21) before treatment, and 6 and 12 weeks after treatment. RESULTS For the VAS there was a significant time-group interaction, showing that the behavior of two groups differed regarding changes of VAS in favor of the RTMS group (df = 1.73, F = 4.80, p = <0.016). Time-group interaction effect on DASS-21 and FIQR was not significant. 66.6% of patients in rTMS group and 26.6% of patients in tDCS group experienced at least a 30% reduction of VAS from baseline to last follow-up (p = 0.028). DISCUSSION With the methodology used in this study, both rTMS and tDCS were safe modalities and three sessions of rTMS over DLPFC had greater and longer lasting analgesic effects compared to tDCS in patients with FM. However, considering the limitations of this study, further studies are needed to explore the most effective modality.
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Gardoki-Souto I, Martín de la Torre O, Hogg B, Redolar-Ripoll D, Valiente-Gómez A, Martínez Sadurní L, Blanch JM, Lupo W, Pérez V, Radua J, Amann BL, Moreno-Alcázar A. Augmentation of EMDR with multifocal transcranial current stimulation (MtCS) in the treatment of fibromyalgia: study protocol of a double-blind randomized controlled exploratory and pragmatic trial. Trials 2021; 22:104. [PMID: 33514408 PMCID: PMC7844777 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05042-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibromyalgia (FM) is a generalized, widespread chronic pain disorder affecting 2.7% of the general population. In recent years, different studies have observed a strong association between FM and psychological trauma. Therefore, a trauma-focused psychotherapy, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), combined with a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, such as multifocal transcranial current stimulation (MtCS), could be an innovative adjunctive treatment option. This double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) analyzes if EMDR therapy is effective in the reduction of pain symptoms in FM patients and if its potential is boosted with the addition of MtCS. METHODS Forty-five patients with FM and a history of traumatic events will be randomly allocated to Waiting List, EMDR + active-MtCS, or EMDR + sham-MtCS. Therapists and patients will be kept blind to MtCS conditions, and raters will be kept blind to both EMDR and MtCS. All patients will be evaluated at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up at 6 months after post-treatment. Evaluations will assess the following variables: sociodemographic data, pain, psychological trauma, sleep disturbance, anxiety and affective symptoms, and wellbeing. DISCUSSION This study will provide evidence of whether EMDR therapy is effective in reducing pain symptoms in FM patients, and whether the effect of EMDR can be enhanced by MtCS. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04084795 . Registered on 2 August 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. Gardoki-Souto
- Centre Forum Research Unit, Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions, Parc de Salut Mar, C/ Llull 410, 08019 Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - B. Hogg
- Centre Forum Research Unit, Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions, Parc de Salut Mar, C/ Llull 410, 08019 Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - D. Redolar-Ripoll
- Cognitive NeuroLab, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - A. Valiente-Gómez
- Centre Forum Research Unit, Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions, Parc de Salut Mar, C/ Llull 410, 08019 Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - L. Martínez Sadurní
- Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J. M. Blanch
- Service of Rheumatology, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - W. Lupo
- Centre Forum Research Unit, Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions, Parc de Salut Mar, C/ Llull 410, 08019 Barcelona, Spain
| | - V. Pérez
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - J. Radua
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- King’s College, London, England
| | - B. L. Amann
- Centre Forum Research Unit, Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions, Parc de Salut Mar, C/ Llull 410, 08019 Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - A. Moreno-Alcázar
- Centre Forum Research Unit, Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions, Parc de Salut Mar, C/ Llull 410, 08019 Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
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21
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Lloyd DM, Wittkopf PG, Arendsen LJ, Jones AK. Is Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Effective for the Treatment of Pain in Fibromyalgia? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2020; 21:1085-1100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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22
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Conde-Antón Á, Hernando-Garijo I, Jiménez-Del-Barrio S, Mingo-Gómez MT, Medrano-de-la-Fuente R, Ceballos-Laita L. Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with fibromyalgia. A systematic review. Neurologia 2020; 38:S0213-4853(20)30278-4. [PMID: 33071017 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2020.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) is a chronic pathology characterized by widespread pain commonly associated with psychological distress affecting quality of life. In recent years, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) have been investigated to treat chronic pain. The aim of the current review is to determine the effects of tDCS and TMS on the main symptoms of patients with FM. DEVELOPMENT A systematic review based on PRISMA guidelines was carried out. The search strategy was performed in Medline, Scopus, PEDro and Cochrane Library. Randomized controlled trials based on the effects of tDCS and TMS on pain, pressure pain threshold, fatigue, anxiety and depression, catastrophizing and quality of life in patients with FM were analysed. Fourteen studies were included. CONCLUSIONS The application of tDCS to the motor cortex is the only intervention shown to decrease pain in the short and medium-term in patients with FM. The application of both interventions showed improvements in pressure pain threshold, catastrophizing and quality of life when applied to the motor cortex, and in fatigue when applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The effects of these interventions on anxiety and depression are unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Á Conde-Antón
- Facultad de Fisioterapia, Universidad de Valladolid, Soria, España
| | | | | | - M T Mingo-Gómez
- Facultad de Fisioterapia, Universidad de Valladolid, Soria, España
| | | | - L Ceballos-Laita
- Facultad de Fisioterapia, Universidad de Valladolid, Soria, España.
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23
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Luckey AM, McLeod SL, Robertson IH, To WT, Vanneste S. Greater Occipital Nerve Stimulation Boosts Associative Memory in Older Individuals: A Randomized Trial. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2020; 34:1020-1029. [DOI: 10.1177/1545968320943573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (tES) is a new approach that aims to stimulate the brain. Recently, we have developed tES approaches to enhance plasticity that modulate cortical activity via the greater occipital nerve (ON) in a “bottom-up” way. Thirty subjects between the ages of 55 and 70 years were enrolled and tested using a double-blind, sham-controlled, and randomized design. Half of the participants received active stimulation, while the other half received sham stimulation. Our results demonstrate that ON-tES can enhance memory in older individuals after one session, with effects persisting up to 28 days after stimulation. The hypothesized mechanism by which ON-tES enhances memory is activation of the locus coeruleus–noradrenaline (LC-NA) pathway. It is likely that this pathway was activated after ON-tES, as supported by observed changes in α-amylase concentrations, a biomarker for noradrenaline. There were no significant or long-lasting side effects observed during stimulation. Clinicaltrial.gov (NCT03467698).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sven Vanneste
- Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
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24
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Pacheco-Barrios K, Cardenas-Rojas A, Thibaut A, Costa B, Ferreira I, Caumo W, Fregni F. Methods and strategies of tDCS for the treatment of pain: current status and future directions. Expert Rev Med Devices 2020; 17:879-898. [PMID: 32845195 PMCID: PMC7674241 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2020.1816168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation technique that has been widely studied for the treatment of chronic pain. It is considered a promising and safe alternative pain therapy. Different targets have been tested, each having their own particular mechanisms for modulating pain perception. AREAS COVERED We discuss the current state of the art of tDCS to manage pain and future strategies to optimize tDCS' effects. Current strategies include primary motor cortex tDCS, prefrontal tDCS and tDCS combined with behavioral interventions while future strategies, on the other hand, include high-intensity tDCS, transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation, cerebellar tDCS, home-based tDCS, and tDCS with extended number of sessions. EXPERT COMMENTARY It has been shown that the stimulation of the prefrontal and primary motor cortex is efficient for pain reduction while a few other new strategies, such as high-intensity tDCS and network-based tDCS, are believed to induce strong neuroplastic effects, although the underlying neural mechanisms still need to be fully uncovered. Hence, conventional tDCS approaches demonstrated promising effects to manage pain and new strategies are under development to enhance tDCS effects and make this approach more easily available by using, for instance, home-based devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Pacheco-Barrios
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Unidad de Investigación para la Generación y Síntesis de Evidencias en Salud. Lima, Peru
| | - Alejandra Cardenas-Rojas
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aurore Thibaut
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium
| | - Beatriz Costa
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Isadora Ferreira
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wolnei Caumo
- Pain and Palliative Care Service at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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25
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Coskun Benlidayi I. The effectiveness and safety of electrotherapy in the management of fibromyalgia. Rheumatol Int 2020; 40:1571-1580. [PMID: 32524302 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-020-04618-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Treating fibromyalgia is a challenging task for physicians. With its multifaceted features, fibromyalgia requires a comprehensive management strategy focusing on both the pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options. During the last decades, there has been growing evidence regarding the role of electrotherapy in fibromyalgia treatment. In this regard, the present article aimed to review the recent literature on the effectiveness and safety of the electrotherapy in the treatment of fibromyalgia. A literature search was conducted through PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus databases. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), non-invasive brain stimulation (transcranial direct current/magnetic stimulation), and light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (LASER) emerged as the most commonly examined electrotherapy techniques in fibromyalgia. Currently, there is growing data regarding the effectiveness of electrotherapy in the management of fibromyalgia-related pain. Besides, non-invasive electrotherapy techniques are related to no/minor side effects. Further studies are warranted to identify the optimal treatment protocols for each electrotherapy modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilke Coskun Benlidayi
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey.
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26
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Chalah MA, Grigorescu C, Padberg F, Kümpfel T, Palm U, Ayache SS. Bifrontal transcranial direct current stimulation modulates fatigue in multiple sclerosis: a randomized sham-controlled study. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2020; 127:953-961. [PMID: 32161992 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-020-02166-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Fatigue is a frequent and debilitating symptom in patients with central nervous system diseases. Up to 90% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) suffer from fatigue that drastically affects the quality of life. MS patients also complain of anxiety and depressive symptoms and these three manifestations tend to cluster together in this clinical population. The objective of this work was to assess the effects of transcranial direct stimulation (tDCS), a noninvasive brain stimulation technique, on fatigue as well as anxiety and depressive symptoms. Eleven fatigued MS patients randomly received two blocks (active and sham tDCS) of five consecutive daily sessions of bifrontal tDCS (anode/cathode over the left/right prefrontal cortices, respectively) in a crossover manner, separated by a 3-week washout interval. Evaluation took place at day 1, day 5 (right after each block) and 1 week later. Active but not sham tDCS resulted in a significant improvement of fatigue at day 5 (p < 0.05), an effect that seems to last at least 1 week following the stimulation (p = 0.05). Active tDCS also significantly improved anxiety symptoms, but the effect emerged 1 week later (p < 0.05). No significant effects were obtained regarding depression (p > 0.05). Bifrontal tDCS seems to modulate fatigue in PwMS. The observed anxiolytic effects could constitute delayed after effects of tDCS or might be mediated by fatigue improvement. These findings merit to be addressed in large-scale controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moussa A Chalah
- EA 4391, Excitabilité Nerveuse et Thérapeutique, Université Paris-Est-Créteil, Créteil, France
- Service de Physiologie, Explorations Fonctionnelles, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique, Hôpitaux de Paris, 94010, Créteil, France
| | - Christina Grigorescu
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Frank Padberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Tania Kümpfel
- Institute for Clinical Neuroimmunology, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Palm
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Samar S Ayache
- EA 4391, Excitabilité Nerveuse et Thérapeutique, Université Paris-Est-Créteil, Créteil, France.
- Service de Physiologie, Explorations Fonctionnelles, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique, Hôpitaux de Paris, 94010, Créteil, France.
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27
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Zortea M, Ramalho L, Alves RL, Alves CFDS, Braulio G, Torres ILDS, Fregni F, Caumo W. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Improve the Dysfunction of Descending Pain Modulatory System Related to Opioids in Chronic Non-cancer Pain: An Integrative Review of Neurobiology and Meta-Analysis. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1218. [PMID: 31803005 PMCID: PMC6876542 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Opioid long-term therapy can produce tolerance, opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH), and it induces dysfunction in pain descending pain inhibitory system (DPIS). Objectives: This integrative review with meta-analysis aimed: (i) To discuss the potential mechanisms involved in analgesic tolerance and opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH). (ii) To examine how the opioid can affect the function of DPIS. (ii) To show evidence about the tDCS as an approach to treat acute and chronic pain. (iii) To discuss the effect of tDCS on DPIS and how it can counter-regulate the OIH. (iv) To draw perspectives for the future about the tDCS effects as an approach to improve the dysfunction in the DPIS in chronic non-cancer pain. Methods: Relevant published randomized clinical trials (RCT) comparing active (irrespective of the stimulation protocol) to sham tDCS for treating chronic non-cancer pain were identified, and risk of bias was assessed. We searched trials in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane trials databases. tDCS protocols accepted were application in areas of the primary motor cortex (M1), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), or occipital area. Results: Fifty-nine studies were fully reviewed, and 24 with moderate to the high-quality methodology were included. tDCS improved chronic pain with a moderate effect size [pooled standardized mean difference; -0.66; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.91 to -0.41]. On average, active protocols led to 27.26% less pain at the end of treatment compared to sham [95% CI; 15.89-32.90%]. Protocol varied in terms of anodal or cathodal stimulation, areas of stimulation (M1 and DLPFC the most common), number of sessions (from 5 to 20) and current intensity (from 1 to 2 mA). The time of application was 20 min in 92% of protocols. Conclusion: In comparison with sham stimulation, tDCS demonstrated a superior effect in reducing chronic pain conditions. They give perspectives that the top-down neuromodulator effects of tDCS are a promising approach to improve management in refractory chronic not-cancer related pain and to enhance dysfunctional neuronal circuitries involved in the DPIS and other pain dimensions and improve pain control with a therapeutic opioid-free. However, further studies are needed to determine individualized protocols according to a biopsychosocial perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxciel Zortea
- Post-graduation Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Laboratory of Pain & Neuromodulation, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Leticia Ramalho
- Post-graduation Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Laboratory of Pain & Neuromodulation, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rael Lopes Alves
- Post-graduation Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Laboratory of Pain & Neuromodulation, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Camila Fernanda da Silveira Alves
- Post-graduation Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Laboratory of Pain & Neuromodulation, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Braulio
- Laboratory of Pain & Neuromodulation, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Service of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Iraci Lucena da Silva Torres
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Health Sciences (ICBS), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Pharmacology of Pain and Neuromodulation: Pre-clinical Investigations Research Group, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Neuromodulation Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Wolnei Caumo
- Post-graduation Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Laboratory of Pain & Neuromodulation, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Pain Treatment and Palliative Medicine Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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28
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Brietzke AP, Zortea M, Carvalho F, Sanches PRS, Silva DPJ, Torres ILDS, Fregni F, Caumo W. Large Treatment Effect With Extended Home-Based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Over Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Fibromyalgia: A Proof of Concept Sham-Randomized Clinical Study. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2019; 21:212-224. [PMID: 31356985 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2019.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This randomized, double-blind controlled trial tested the hypothesis that 60 sessions of home-based anodal (a)-transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) would be better than home-based sham-tDCS to improve the widespread pain and the disability-related to pain. The anodal-tDCS (2 mA for 30 minutes) over the left DLPFC was self-administered with a specially developed device following in-person training. Twenty women, 18 to 65 years old were randomized into 2 groups [active-(a)-tDCS (n = 10) or sham-(s)-tDCS (n = 10)]. Post hoc analysis revealed that after the first 20 sessions of a-tDCS, the cumulative pain scores reduced by 45.65% [7.25 (1.43) vs 3.94 (1.14), active vs sham tDCS, respectively]. After 60 sessions, during the 12-week assessment, pain scores reduced by 62.06% in the actively group [visual analogue scale reduction, 7.25 (1.43) to 2.75 (.85)] compared to 24.92% in the s-tDCS group, [mean (SD) 7.10 (1.81) vs 5.33 (.90)], respectively. It reduced the risk for analgesic use in 55%. Higher serum levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor predicted higher decreases on the pain scores across of treatment. PERSPECTIVE: These findings bring 3 important insights: 1) show that an extended period of treatment (60 sessions, to date the largest number of tDCS sessions tested) for fibromyalgia induces large pain decreases (a large effect size of 1.59) and 2) support the feasibility of home-based tDCS as a method of intervention; 3) provide additional data on DLPFC target for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Finally, our findings also highlight that brain-derived neurotrophic factor to index neuroplasticity may be a valuable predictor of the tDCS effect on pain scores decreases across the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline P Brietzke
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maxciel Zortea
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Carvalho
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | - Iraci Lucena da Silva Torres
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering at HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Physics and Rehabilitation Department, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Pain and Palliative Care Service at HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Physics and Rehabilitation Department, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Wolnei Caumo
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Physics and Rehabilitation Department, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Pain and Palliative Care Service at HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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29
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Brighina F, Curatolo M, Cosentino G, De Tommaso M, Battaglia G, Sarzi-Puttini PC, Guggino G, Fierro B. Brain Modulation by Electric Currents in Fibromyalgia: A Structured Review on Non-invasive Approach With Transcranial Electrical Stimulation. Front Hum Neurosci 2019; 13:40. [PMID: 30804771 PMCID: PMC6378756 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a complex disorder where widespread musculoskeletal pain is associated with many heterogenous symptoms ranging from affective disturbances to cognitive dysfunction and central fatigue. FMS is currently underdiagnosed and often very poorly responsive to pharmacological treatment. Pathophysiology of the disease remains still obscure even if in the last years fine structural and functional cerebral abnormalities have been identified, principally by neurophysiological and imaging studies delineating disfunctions in pain perception, processing and control systems. On such basis, recently, neurostimulation of brain areas involved in mechanism of pain processing and control (primary motor cortex: M1 and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex: DLPFC) has been explored by means of different approaches and particularly through non-invasive brain stimulation techniques (transcranial magnetic and electric stimulation: TMS and tES). Here we summarize studies on tES application in FMS. The great majority of reports, based on direct currents (transcranial direct currents stimulation: tDCS) and targeting M1, showed efficacy on pain measures and less on cognitive and affective symptoms, even if several aspects as maintenance of therapeutical effects and optimal stimulation parameters remain to be established. Differently, stimulation of DLPFC, explored in a few studies, was ineffective on pain and showed limited effects on cognitive and affective symptoms. Very recently new tES techniques as high-density tDCS (HD-tDCS), transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) and tDCS devices for home-based treatment have been explored in FMS with interesting even if very preliminary results opening interesting perspectives for more effective, well tolerated, cheap and easy therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Brighina
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata (BIND), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Curatolo
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata (BIND), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cosentino
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marina De Tommaso
- Unità di Neurofisiopatologia del Dolore, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche di Base, Neuroscienze e Organi di Senso (SMBNOS), Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Battaglia
- Dipartimento di Scienze Psicologiche, Pedagogiche, dell'Esercizio Fisico e della Formazione, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Giuliana Guggino
- Dipartimento Biomedico di Medicina Interna e Specialistica (DIBIMIS), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Brigida Fierro
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata (BIND), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Latin American and Caribbean consensus on noninvasive central nervous system neuromodulation for chronic pain management (LAC 2-NIN-CP). Pain Rep 2019; 4:e692. [PMID: 30801041 PMCID: PMC6370142 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000000692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Introduction: Chronic pain (CP) is highly prevalent and generally undertreated health condition. Noninvasive brain stimulation may contribute to decrease pain intensity and influence other aspects related to CP. Objective: To provide consensus-based recommendations for the use of noninvasive brain stimulation in clinical practice. Methods: Systematic review of the literature searching for randomized clinical trials followed by consensus panel. Recommendations also involved a cost-estimation study. Results: The systematic review wielded 24 transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and 22 repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) studies. The following recommendations were provided: (1) Level A for anodal tDCS over the primary motor cortex (M1) in fibromyalgia, and level B for peripheral neuropathic pain, abdominal pain, and migraine; bifrontal (F3/F4) tDCS and M1 high-definition (HD)-tDCS for fibromyalgia; Oz/Cz tDCS for migraine and for secondary benefits such as improvement in quality of life, decrease in anxiety, and increase in pressure pain threshold; (2) level A recommendation for high-frequency (HF) rTMS over M1 for fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain, and level B for myofascial or musculoskeletal pain, complex regional pain syndrome, and migraine; (3) level A recommendation against the use of anodal M1 tDCS for low back pain; and (4) level B recommendation against the use of HF rTMS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the control of pain. Conclusion: Transcranial DCS and rTMS are recommended techniques to be used in the control of CP conditions, with low to moderate analgesic effects, and no severe adverse events. These recommendations are based on a systematic review of the literature and a consensus made by experts in the field. Readers should use it as part of the resources available to decision-making.
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