Effiectiveness and safety of transcranial direct current stimulation in fibromyalgia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of transcranial direct current stimulation for fibro-myalgia.

METHODS:

Databases, conference records and registered trials were searched for articles published from the date of establishment of the database through to October 2015. Six randomized controlled trials (n=192) of transcranial direct current stimulation for fibromyalgia were included in the current study.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Two researchers independently screened the literature, assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool, and extracted data.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Studies were divided into 3 groups for meta-analysis according to stimulation site and polarity. Significant improvement in pain and general fibromyalgia-related function was seen with anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the primary motor cortex (p<0.05). However, the pressure pain threshold did not improve (p>0.05). Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex did not significantly reduce pain or improve general fibromyalgia-related function compared with sham stimulation (p>0.05). Cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the primary motor cortex did not improve the pressure pain threshold compared with sham stimulation (p>0.05). No significant adverse effects were seen.

CONCLUSION:

Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the primary motor cortex is more likely than sham transcranial direct current stimulation to relieve pain and improve general fibromyalgia-related function.

• Authors: Chang-E Zhu, Bo Yu, Wen Zhang, Wen-Hua Chen, Qi Qi, Yun Miao
• Journal: Journal of rehabilitation medicine (J Rehabil Med) Vol. 49 Issue 1 Pg. 2-9 (Jan 19 2017) ISSN: 1651-2081 [Electronic] Sweden
• PMID: 27983739 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Review, Systematic Review)

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Fibromyalgia (therapy)
• Humans
• Male
• Pain Management (instrumentation, methods)
• Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (instrumentation, methods)