Participants sought: Can fibromyalgia be reduced by brain stimulation?

The Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc) at the Alfred Hospital is currently seeking volunteers for a clinical trial of a non-medication investigational treatment for fibromyalgia.

Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) is a painless, safe, and non-invasive means of stimulating nerve cells in the brain. We are conducting this study to see whether we can reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

To be involved, participants must be aged between 18 and 75 years and have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Participation will involve attending the Alfred for an initial 2 week period of daily (Monday-Friday) treatments followed by a 2 week period of 3 treatments per week. Each treatment appointment takes approximately 30 minutes.

Enquiries & further information

Contact: Ms Laura Knox
Email: laura.knox@monash.edu
Phone: (03) 9076 9896
Study detail: ccs-clin-trials.med.monash.edu.au/trials/double-blind-randomised-sham-controlled-trial-prefrontal-theta-burst-stimulation-fibromyalgia
Web: www.maprc.org.au/dr-bernadette-fitzgibbon

Novel form of brain stimulation enhances working memory

Dr Kate Hoy, lead researcher on the TBS study

MAPrc researchers have recently published a world first finding in Cerebral Cortex.

The paper, lead authored by Dr Kate Hoy, investigated the use of a novel form of brain stimulation to enhance working memory.  Impairments in cognition, such as difficulties in attention and memory, are core symptoms of a number of psychiatric and neurological conditions. These difficulties greatly affect patient’s ability to engage in day-to-day life and there are currently no effective treatments.