2007 FMS Study

Fibromyalgia (FMS) and
Chronic Myofascial Pain (CMP)
Information for Patients, Supporters
Doctors and Other Health Care Providers
with Devin Starlanyl

The Neurotherapy Center of
Washington, (D.C.) Inc.

Inclusion Criteria

Age 20 – 65

Approval for participation in this study by a physician, preferably a specialist in pain or rheumatology

FMS diagnosed by appropriate specialist with onset of FMS symptoms prior to June 2004.

A history of concussion at any time prior to onset of FMS symptoms

Have experienced symptoms for at least 4 years with no recent significant remission of symptoms

Self-report of cognitive difficulties such as short-term memory, fibro-fog

Ability to speak and understand English

Each participant will agree to the following:

· To attend regularly scheduled sessions, usually twice a week, and to return for follow-up appointments, at 3 & 6 months after finishing treatment

· To NOT increase FMS-related medication doses during the study period. Dosages may be decreased but may not be increased. No new fibromyalgia-related medications are to be started until participation ends

· To continue ancillary treatments such as myofascial work, massage, acupuncture or, psychotherapy already in place. No new therapies should be started

· To meet specific EEG criteria defined as a minimum of 3.0 microvolts mean delta with a SD of at least 0.7. One other EEG criterion will be assessed for indication of chronic infection

Exclusion Criteria

· A history of diagnosed chronic fatigue syndrome, or chronic infection. (Lyme disease, parasitic infection)

· A history of medical conditions such as: seizure disorder, uncontrolled asthma or diabetes, hepatitis, herpes, auto-immune, (ex: lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), uncontrolled sleep apnea, significant hypotension, multiple chemical sensitivities, rheumatic fever, or cancer (current or in remission)

· A Body Mass Index (BMI) over 32. (Provide height in inches, and weight. These data are necessary to determine if a person is able to utilize sEMG)

· Any major pain condition, CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome, AKA reflex sympathetic dystrophy), severe osteoarthritis, neuropathy, or vestibular problems

· Any participation in an active rehabilitation program such as aerobics, or work hardening, in the past three months

· Any prior unsuccessful spinal, neck or back surgeries

· Any developmental disabilities, significant psychological disorder, imminently suicidal or homicidal, and no history of ECT treatment

· Any current substance abuse (alcohol, or prescription/non-prescription substances)

· Any current use of Prozac, or opiate-class medications

· Any Botox treatment within last 4 months

· Any previous treatment with EEG stimulation or other Neurofeedback therapy

· Any current involvement, or planned involvement, in litigation relating to condition