Brain zapping for fibromyalgia: placebo or real relief?

NCT ID NCT05903079

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

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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.

FIBROMYALGIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre

Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90.450-120, Brazil

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