Auricular Neuromodulation in Veterans With Fibromyalgia (NCT06415591)
Auricular Neuromodulation in Veterans With Fibromyalgia: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Study
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
PENFS (percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation) is an FDA-cleared acupuncture-like therapy applied to the external ear targeting several cranial nerve branches including the auricular branch of the vagus nerve to improve pain, physical function, and reduce symptoms of opioid withdrawal. PENFS has been previously shown to provide improvements in fibromyalgia, a difficult to treat chronic pain syndrome, which correlate with changes observed using a special kind of MRI called resting state functional connectivity MRI (rs-fcMRI) that evaluates brain activity at rest. The goals of this study are to rigorously test the initial promising results of PENFS in a much larger group of Veterans suffering from fibromyalgia and to identify potential mechanisms of PENFS effects. Further developing non-pharmacologic therapies for pain can help to improve quality of life and function for those suffering from fibromyalgia and decrease reliance on opioids and other drugs that have numerous side effects for individuals suffering from chronic pain.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: Atlanta VA Medical and Rehab Center, Decatur, GA — Decatur, Georgia
Age range: 18 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Atlanta VA Medical and Rehab Center, Decatur, GA — Decatur, Georgia
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (404) 321-6111
Email: Anna.Woodbury@va.gov
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
More studies in Fibromyalgia
- Virtual Specialty Clinic for Fibromyalgia Care — Covina, California
- A Study Of Virtual Reality Vs Sham VR On Fibromyalgia — Jacksonville, Florida
- Explosive Synchronization of Brain Network Activity in Chronic Pain — Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Microcurrent for Fibromyalgia — Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada
- Elucidating the Central Mechanisms of Action for Green Light Therapy in Managing Chronic Pain — Tucson, Arizona
- taVNS Treatment for Fibromyalgia — Charlestown, Massachusetts
Explore by condition: All Fibromyalgia clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.