Could a headset replace pills for fibromyalgia pain?

NCT ID NCT07203339

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study compares a home-use brain stimulation device (tDCS) to the drug duloxetine for treating fibromyalgia in 610 women. Participants use the device daily for 4 weeks or take duloxetine, both combined with exercise and pain education. The goal is to see if tDCS works as well as the drug, with fewer side effects.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) device and duloxetine
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer fibromyalgia patients a safe, home-based alternative to medication, reducing side effects and improving quality of life.
What could go wrong: This is a non-inferiority trial, so tDCS may prove no better than duloxetine. The treatment is self-administered at home, which could affect consistency. Results may not apply to men or other populations.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

fibromyalgia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BDNF DULOXETINE EEG FIBROMYALGIA (FM) TDCS

Contacts and locations

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Study contacts

Contact

Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre
RECRUITING

Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

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