Nerve stimulation eases pain in fibromyalgia

Stimulation of a nerve that runs up the neck and back of the head seems to improve pain and quality of life for people with fibromyalgia, says new research from Belgium.

Dr Mark Plazier implanted a lead just underneath the occipital protuberans (found on the back of the head) in 25 people with fibromyalgia. Occipital nerve stimulation was carried out for six months and a questionnaire indicated significant improvements in quality of life and pain.