The study examines patients with various chronic pain conditions. The first group of patients consists of individuals diagnosed with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (ICD-10: M79.70). The patients in the second group have both a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia Syndrome and Small Fiber Neuropathy (ICD-10: G62.88). The third group of patients exclusively has Small Fiber Neuropathy, and the fourth group of patients has a somatoform pain disorder (ICD-10: F45.-). Fibromyalgia Syndrome G60.9 F45 M79.7
Conditions
Interventions
Group 1: Patients with a diagnosed fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS)
Twenty patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome between the ages of 18 and 60 will be included. The patients will be recruited in c
Sponsors
RWTH Aachen
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 60 Years
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1) Ability to provide written informed consent after being informed. 2) Willingness to complete all study procedures. 3) Fulfillment of specific diagnostic criteria (depending on the patient group).
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1) Metals or metal-containing devices that are in constant contact with the body, especially: pacemakers, internal defibrillators, or other implants (shunts, catheters, metal clips), firmly bonded metallic retainer wires spanning more than four teeth, or fixed metallic braces. 2) Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals. 3) Tattoos on the neck, face, or head. 4) Inability to adhere to the study protocol. 5) Limited or completely abolished legal capacity or a court order for placement. 6) Past history of epileptic seizures. 7) Presence of a severe psychiatric condition such as acute schizophrenia, severe depression, acute suicidality, or drug abuse in the last 2 years.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| The aim of this study is to find a diagnostic marker for the previously poorly understood pain disorders, Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS), and somatoform pain disorders. To achieve this goal, we utilize functional and structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). In the MRI, we draw upon the phenomenon of so-called multisensory hypersensitivity, which has been observed in various chronic pain patients. This phenomenon encompasses heightened sensitivity not only to painful but also non-painful stimuli such as odors, sounds, and visual impressions. We leverage this observed general hypersensitivity by presenting both pain-free and painful stimuli to both patients and healthy control subjects during the MRI scans. Particular interest lies in the difference in processing unimodal compared to multimodal stimuli. Through the identification of brain patterns and activities underlying increased sensitivity to certain sensory experiences, we hope to gain new insights into the causes of chronic pain. | — |
Countries
Germany
Contacts
Public ContactPia Klabunn
Universitätsklinikum RWTH Aachen
Outcome results
None listed