Fibromyalgia: progress in diagnosis and treatment
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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial of Cranial Electrical Stimulation for Fibromyalgia Pain and Physical Function, Using Brain Imaging Biomarkers
Published on: January 5, 2024
Dina Dadabhoy1, Daniel J Clauw
1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, The University of Michigan, 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Box 385, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, USA. dadabhoy@umich.edu
Abstract:
Fibromyalgia is a frequent cause of chronic widespread pain and affects up to 5% of the general population. Diagnosis and treatment have been especially challenging due to limited knowledge of etiology and poor response to conventional treatment of pain. Appreciation for the interactions of neurobiologic, psychologic, and behavioral factors in the disease pathogenesis has led to improved treatment options that can be effective in individual patients. Current evidence advocates a multifaceted program emphasizing patient education, medications for improving symptoms, and aggressive use of exercise and cognitive-behavioral approaches to retain or restore function.