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. Â
The aim of this study was 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 was 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. Â
Associate Professor Maryam Zoghi and her team successfully recruited six participants for their study investigating the effectiveness of tDCS in alleviating pain among individuals diagnosed with MS. All participants completed either 10 or 11 treatment sessions. Â
Analysis of the observations from this group of participants has now been completed. Findings suggest that repeated tDCS, as an add-on to standard care, was associated with changes in how the brain responds to pain and led to improvements in clinical outcomes. Across participants, reductions in pain intensity were consistently observed, particularly following treatment sessions. Â
Attendance and engagement in the treatment was high throughout the study, and the treatment was delivered safely with no side effects reported. Participants found the treatment comfortable and manageable, and many expressed an interest in continuing it in the future.   Â
As a result of this study, the team has also initiated collaborations with several pain specialists who run chronic pain management clinics across Victoria. These partnerships will further support the development of future research projects on tDCS.Â
While the study only included a small number of participants, the 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. Â
Associate Professor Zoghi and her team are now investigating future funding opportunities to enable a larger, placebo-controlled trial to further investigate the benefit of tDCS treatment. Â
A scientific publication is being prepared to highlight the results and insights gained from the study and to engage with the broader research community.  Â
Updated 31 March 2026
$25,000
2021
4 years
Past project
