Title: The Effect of Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) on Pain
Associated with Fibromyalgia
Authors:
Randall C. Cork, M.D., Ph.D.,
Department of
Anesthesiology, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Patrick Wood, M.D., Department of
Anesthesiology, LSU Health Sciences Center , Shreveport, LA
Norbert Ming M.D., Department of
Anesthesiology, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Clifton Shepherd M.D., Department of
Anesthesiology, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
James Eddy M.D., Department of
Anesthesiology, LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Larry Price Ph.D., Texas State
University, San Marcos, TX |
|
Figure 1: The Alpha-Stim 100
Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulator with ear clips. Study settings were
at 0.5 Hz for 1 Hr. Sham ear
clips did not pass current.
Figure 2: Location of electrode
placement on earlobe. Patient is unaware of whether electrode is
treatment or sham.
Initial measurements were taken at baseline, prior to
commencement of the treatment period. These measurements included:
Pain Intensity:
The patient was asked
to write down a number between 0 and 5, where 0 represented no pain,
and 5 represented the worst pain imaginable.
McGill
Pain Score:
The patient was asked
to complete the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ).
5
The SF-MPQ consists of the following 15 pain descriptors: Throbbing,
shooting, stabbing, sharp, gnawing, cramping, burning, aching, heavy,
tender, splitting, tiring, sickening, fearful, and punishing. Each of
these pain descriptors are scored by the patient as none (0), mild
(1), moderate (2), or severe (3), and then the total score is summed
for the McGill Pain Score.
Tenderpoint
Score:
Tenderpoints 6
and sham points listed in Table 1 were palpated with 4 kg
pressure. The patient was asked to rate the pain elicited at each
point on a scale between 0 (no pain) and 10 (worst pain imaginable).
The scores for all the points were added up, and the scores for the
sham points were subtracted from the total to arrive at the
Tenderpoint Score.
Profile of Mood States (POMS):
The POMS
7, 8
(Educational and
Industrial Testing Service, San Diego, CA) is a standardized paper and
pencil psychological test measuring the following mood factors:
tension/anxiety, depression/dejection, anger/hostility, energy/vigor,
fatigue/inertia, and confusion/bewilderment. An overall total mood
disturbance score is calculated as a POMS Score. |
