Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that predominantly affects young adults. Pain can be a significant problem for a substantial proportion of people with MS. It can have a severe impact on activities of daily living and can be difficult to manage with medications.
The aim of this study is to assess the long-lasting effect of a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), on pain reduction and improving the quality of life in people with MS. This treatment will be delivered with a battery-operated device which is very safe with very little side effects (e.g. mild itching sensation under one of the electrodes). The treatment involves applying mild electrical currents to specific regions of the brain to modulate pain perception. If this stimulation technique is effective in reducing pain for several weeks, it may provide a new option for pain relief and pain management in people with MS who experience pain.
Associate Professor Maryam Zoghi and her team have successfully recruited six participants for their clinical trial investigating the effectiveness of tDCS in alleviating pain among individuals diagnosed with MS. All participants have completed either 10 or 11 treatment sessions.
Early findings are encouraging – most participants reported a noticeable decrease in pain and anxiety, particularly after the treatment sessions. Positive changes in brain activity have also been observed.
Attendance and engagement in the treatment has been high, and the treatment has been delivered safely with no side effects reported. Participants found the treatment comfortable and manageable, and many have expressed an interest in continuing it in the future.
These findings suggest that tDCS may offer a promising, low-risk option for managing pain in people with MS, potentially enhancing their overall quality of life.
Associate Professor Zoghi and her team are continuing to analyse the data in more detail and plan to extend the study further.
A scientific publication is being prepared to highlight the preliminary results and insights gained so far and to engage with the broader research community.
Updated 31 March 2025 
$25,000
2021
4 years
Current project
