Zapping the brain to fight fibromyalgia pain: small study shows promise
NCT ID NCT06006130
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study looked at how the brain processes pain in people with fibromyalgia compared to healthy individuals. Researchers tested whether a non-invasive procedure called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain, could reduce pain after two weeks of treatment. The study involved 36 adults aged 18 to 65 and measured changes in pain, mood, and daily function.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a non-drug treatment option for fibromyalgia pain and help identify brain-based markers for diagnosis.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 36 people. The treatment is short-term and may not produce lasting pain relief. Results may not apply to all fibromyalgia patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
36 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Feb 2024
- Finished
-
Dec 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 65 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-65 years old Exclusion Criteria: * contraindications to TMS * chronic pain associated with diagnoses other than fibromyalgia
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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
Locations
-
McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario, L8S4L1, Canada
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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