We are currently conducting the following studies:
Topical Medication (Skin Patch) for Fibromyalgia Pain
Do you experience aches and body pains, muscle stiffness, and extreme fatigue for more than a few weeks? If you do you may have fibromyalgia (FMS). If you are at least 18 years old and have symptoms that are consistent with FMS, you may qualify to participate in our clinical research study. This trial examines the effects of a dopamine agonist on FMS pain and sleep. The medication is applied as a skin patch and thus less likely to cause stomach upsets. Study benefits include investigational study medication, and study related exams (i.e. physical exams, lab tests) at no cost. For more information click here
Mechanisms of Pain in Patients with Fibromyalgia
C-pain fiber mediated pain sensations are most important for chronic pain. This type of pain is dull, often ill described, sometimes burning or aching. Importantly, it resembles pain sensations often reported in FMS. Therefore we are testing C-pain fiber mediated pain in patients with FMS as well as normal controls. This study will provide information about spinal cord and brain mechanisms that are involved in FMS pain. Tests will only use mild heat or pressure stimuli to the skin or muscles. Each participant will undergo several testing sessions, each lasting approx. 20 minutes. No needles! Location: Clinical Research Center (CRC) at Shands Hospital, Gainesville.
Genes Relevant to Fibromyalgia Pain
We are going to identify the genetic factors related to pain and pain sensitivity. Genetic information may allow us to learn more about what causes your pain as well as how to prevent it, develop treatments and someday even cures. This study requires the collection of a small amount of blood for genetic analysis and is restricted to FMS patients. Strict confidentiality will be maintained! Location: FMS Research lab at Shands Hospital in Gainesville
Magnetic Pulse Therapy for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia
Low intensity magnetic pulse therapy has been found to be effective for chronic depression. This therapy directly affects the brain through low level magnetic pulses less than those from a cell phone. We want to test this therapy for fibromyalgia which is associated with depression, anxiety, and pain. Participants will use the device (similar to earphones) twice daily for 30 min each. Study benefits include investigational study device and study related exams (i.e. physical exams, lab tests) at no cost.
Effects of Local Muscle Injections for Pain and Hyperalgesia of Fibromyalgia Patients
Local treatments can make a major difference in the overall pain of FMS patients. Deactivation of painful muscle areas by injections with special local anesthetics is currently investigated in our lab. We want to prove that targeted local therapies can powerfully relieve your pains. Thus you don't have to take medications that affect your whole body. This study accepts healthy controls as well as FMS patients. Location: FMS Research Lab at Shands Hospital, Gainesville.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Pain in Fibromyalgia
Brain blood flow changes of fibromyalgia patients will be compared to
normal controls during mildly painful skin stimuli.
Each subject will be trained in ratings of heat sensations. The fMRI session will
last approx. 1 hour
Sleep Medication for the Treatment of Insomnia in Fibromyalgia
A new study medication will be tested for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Insomnia, particularly interupted sleep is one of the hallmarks of fibromyalgia. Whereas most sleep medications used alter the normal sleep architecture, our new study medication provides near normal sleep stages, including deep sleep (stage III and IV). Participants will use the study medication at night. Study benefits include investigational study medication and study related exams (i.e. physical exams, lab tests) at no cost.
Effects of Acupuncture on Pain in Patients with Fibromyalgia
Used for centuries to treat pain, acupuncture has been endorsed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States. Our study will test the effectiveness of acupuncture on FMS pain and pain sensitivity. Preliminary testing has produced promising results in FMS patients. Healthy controls and FMS patients will participate in one session lasting approximately 60 minutes. Location: FMS Research Lab at Shands Hospital in Gainesville.
If you are interested in participating in our clincial trials or would like to receive more information, please call our study coordinators Amber, Natalia, Susann,or J.J. at 352-265-8901 or contact us by email at painresearch@medicine.ufl.edu