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Ramasawmy P, Gamboa Arana OL, Mai TT, Heim LC, Schumann SE, Fechner E, Jiang Y, Moschner O, Chakalov I, Bähr M, Petzke F, Antal A. No add-on therapeutic benefit of at-home anodal tDCS of the primary motor cortex to mindfulness meditation in patients with fibromyalgia. Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 164:168-179. [PMID: 38901112 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2024.05.018] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated the efficacy of combining at-home anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the left primary motor cortex (M1) with mindfulness meditation (MM) in fibromyalgia patients trained in mindfulness. METHODS Thirty-seven patients were allocated to receive ten daily sessions of MM paired with either anodal or sham tDCS over the primary motor cortex. Primary outcomes were pain intensity and quality of life. Secondary outcomes were psychological impairment, sleep quality, mood, affective pain, mindfulness level, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) measures of cortical excitability. Outcomes were analyzed pre- and post-treatment, with a one-month follow-up. RESULTS We found post-tDCS improvement in all clinical outcomes, including mindfulness level, except for positive affect and stress, in both groups without significant difference between active and sham conditions. No significant group*time interaction was found for all clinical and TMS outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate no synergistic or add-on efffect of anodal tDCS of the left M1 compared to the proper effect of MM in patients with fibromyalgia. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings challenge the potential of combining anodal tDCS of the left M1 and MM in fibromyalgia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perianen Ramasawmy
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany.
| | | | - Thuy Tien Mai
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Luise Charlotte Heim
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Samuel Enrico Schumann
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Fechner
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Yong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Oscar Moschner
- Institute of Computer and Communication Technology, Technische Hochschule Köln, Köln, Germany
| | - Ivan Chakalov
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany; Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mathias Bähr
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Frank Petzke
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andrea Antal
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
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Lyra de Brito Aranha RE, Nascimento JDSD, Sampaio DDA, Torro-Alves N. Combining Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation With Non-Invasive Interventions for Chronic Primary Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2024; 38:616-632. [PMID: 39075920 DOI: 10.1177/15459683241265906] [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] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing number of studies has combined transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with other non-invasive non-pharmacological therapies (NINPT) to enhance effects in pain reduction. However, the efficacy of these combined approaches in treating chronic primary pain (CPP) warrants thorough investigation. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of tDCS in conjunction with other NINPT in alleviating pain severity among CPP patients. METHODS We conducted a systematic search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of tDCS combined with NINPT against control treatments in adult CPP patients. The search spanned multiple databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL. RESULTS Our systematic review included 11 RCTs with a total of 449 participants. In our meta-analysis, which comprised 228 participants receiving active-tDCS and 221 receiving sham-tDCS, we found a significant reduction in pain intensity (Standard Mean Difference = -0.73; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = -1.18 to -0.27; P = .002) with the use of active-tDCS combined with NINPT. CONCLUSION These findings substantiate the therapeutic potential of combining tDCS with other NINPT, highlighting it as an effective treatment modality for reducing pain intensity in CPP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nelson Torro-Alves
- Cognitive Neuroscience and Behavior Program, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
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Wu Q, Li X, Zhang Y, Chen S, Jin R, Peng W. Analgesia of noninvasive electrical stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychosom Res 2024; 185:111868. [PMID: 39142194 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is implicated in pain modulation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for pain relief. However, studies on transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) over the DLPFC yielded diverse results, likely due to differences in stimulation protocols or pain assessment methods. This study aims to evaluate the analgesic effects of DLPFC-tES using a meta-analytical approach. METHODS A meta-analysis of 29 studies involving 785 participants was conducted. The effects of genuine and sham DLPFC-tES on pain perception were examined in healthy individuals and patients with clinical pain. Subgroup analyses explored the impact of stimulation parameters and pain modalities. RESULTS DLPFC-tES did not significantly affect pain outcomes in healthy populations but showed promise in reducing pain-intensity ratings in patients with clinical pain (Hedges' g = -0.78, 95% CI = [-1.33, -0.24], p = 0.005). Electrode placement significantly influenced the analgesic effect, with better results observed when the anode was at F3 and the cathode at F4. CONCLUSIONS DLPFC-tES holds potential as a cost-effective pain management option, particularly for clinical populations. Optimizing electrode placement, especially with an symmetrical configuration, may enhance therapeutic efficacy. These findings underscore the promise of DLPFC-tES for alleviating perceived pain intensity in clinical settings, emphasizing the importance of electrode placement optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Wu
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoyun Li
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yinhua Zhang
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shengxiong Chen
- Medical Rehabilitation Center, Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Richu Jin
- Tech X Academy, Shenzhen Polytechnic University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Weiwei Peng
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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Jurado-Priego LN, Cueto-Ureña C, Ramírez-Expósito MJ, Martínez-Martos JM. Fibromyalgia: A Review of the Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Multidisciplinary Treatment Strategies. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1543. [PMID: 39062116 PMCID: PMC11275111 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071543] [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: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain, which may or may not be associated with muscle or joint stiffness, accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. It is a highly prevalent condition globally, being considered the third most common musculoskeletal disorder, following lower back pain and osteoarthritis. It is more prevalent in women than in men, and although it can occur at any age, it is more common between the ages of thirty and thirty-five. Although the pathophysiology and etiopathogenesis remain largely unknown, three underlying processes in fibromyalgia have been investigated. These include central sensitization, associated with an increase in the release of both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters; peripheral sensitization, involving alterations in peripheral nociceptor signaling; and inflammatory and immune mechanisms that develop concurrently with the aforementioned processes. Furthermore, it has been determined that genetic, endocrine, psychological, and sleep disorders may influence the development of this pathology. The accurate diagnosis of fibromyalgia remains challenging as it lacks specific diagnostic biomarkers, which are still under investigation. Nonetheless, diagnostic approaches to the condition have evolved based on the use of scales and questionnaires for pain identification. The complexity associated with this pathology makes it difficult to establish a single effective treatment. Therefore, treatment is multidisciplinary, involving both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions aimed at alleviating symptoms. The non-pharmacological treatments outlined in this review are primarily related to physiotherapy interventions. The effectiveness of physical exercise, both on land and in water, as well as the application of electrotherapy combined with transcranial therapy and manual therapy has been highlighted. All of these interventions aim to improve the quality of life of patients highly affected by fibromyalgia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - José Manuel Martínez-Martos
- Experimental and Clinical Physiopathology Research Group CTS-1039, Department of Health Sciences, School of Experimental and Health Sciences, University of Jaén, E-23071 Jaén, Spain (C.C.-U.); (M.J.R.-E.)
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Lim M, Kim DJ, Nascimento TD, DaSilva AF. High-definition tDCS over primary motor cortex modulates brain signal variability and functional connectivity in episodic migraine. Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 161:101-111. [PMID: 38460220 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2024.02.012] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated how high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) affects brain signal variability and functional connectivity in the trigeminal pain pathway, and their association with changes in migraine attacks. METHODS Twenty-five episodic migraine patients were randomized for ten daily sessions of active or sham M1 HD-tDCS. Resting-state blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) signal variability and seed-based functional connectivity were assessed pre- and post-treatment. A mediation analysis was performed to test whether BOLD signal variability mediates the relationship between treatment group and moderate-to-severe headache days. RESULTS The active M1 HD-tDCS group showed reduced BOLD variability in the spinal trigeminal nucleus (SpV) and thalamus, but increased variability in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) compared to the sham group. Connectivity decreased between medial pulvinar-temporal pole, medial dorsal-precuneus, and the ventral posterior medial nucleus-SpV, but increased between the rACC-amygdala, and the periaqueductal gray-parahippocampal gyrus. Changes in medial pulvinar variability mediated the reduction in moderate-to-severe headache days at one-month post-treatment. CONCLUSIONS M1 HD-tDCS alters BOLD signal variability and connectivity in the trigeminal somatosensory and modulatory pain system, potentially alleviating migraine headache attacks. SIGNIFICANCE M1 HD-tDCS realigns brain signal variability and connectivity in migraineurs closer to healthy control levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manyoel Lim
- Food Processing Research Group, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do 55365, Republic of Korea; Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Dajung J Kim
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Thiago D Nascimento
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Alexandre F DaSilva
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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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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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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