Brain zapping for fibromyalgia: placebo or real relief?
NCT ID NCT05903079
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS can reduce pain in women with fibromyalgia. 100 women received either real or sham (fake) stimulation to see if the placebo effect plays a role. The goal is to find out who might benefit most from this treatment.
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
What this could lead to
If successful, this could help identify which fibromyalgia patients are most likely to benefit from tDCS, potentially leading to more personalized pain treatment.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed study. The placebo effect is strong in fibromyalgia, so any benefit from tDCS may be small or not last long. Results may not apply to men or people outside the study area.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre
Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90.450-120, Brazil