Non-invasive auricular vagus nerve stimulation in fibromyalgia.
Non-invasive auricular vagus nerve stimulation in fibromyalgia: Impacts on autonomic function, central sensitization and pain catastrophizing.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain disorder frequently associated with autonomic dysregulation, central sensitization, and cognitive-emotional disturbances. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) has recently emerged as a non-invasive neuromodulatory approach with potential to modulate autonomic function, pain perception, and affective processing. We aim to evaluate the short-term effects of a 28-day tVNS protocol on autonomic function, symptom severity, central sensitization, neuropathic-like pain features, and pain catastrophizing in patients with fibromyalgia. METHODS: Twenty-five female patients with fibromyalgia (mean age 48.6±7.3years; mean disease duration 68±24 months) underwent twice-daily 30-minute tVNS sessions using the Nurosym™device for 28 consecutive days. Outcome measures included: Composite Autonimic Symptom Score 31 (COMPASS-31), Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), PainDETECT Questionnaire (PDQ), Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI-9), and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Pre- and post-treatment scores were compared using paired statistical analyses. RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in total COMPASS-31 scores (P
Affiliation
Maria Giovanna Lommano
External References
- PubMed ID:
- 40935122
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