HIGHLIGHTS
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There is a need for standardization and consensus on the parameters of neuromodulation techniques for chronic pelvic pain.
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The stimulation area includes the motor cortex and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
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Neuromodulation techniques, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation, have shown potential in addressing not only pain but also other aspects such as sleep, cognitive complaints, fatigue, catastrophizing, depression, and mood in patients with chronic pelvic pain.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP) is characterized by persistent pain in the pelvic region for more than six months, affecting both men and women and causing significant impairment in quality of life (QoL). Two of the main non-invasive approaches are Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). These techniques aim to modulate neural activity and promote pain relief. In this context, this research conducted an integrative literature review to summarize the results of relevant studies, aiming to identify the key parameters used in TMS and tDCS for CPP treatment. The objective was to assess the effect and efficacy of non-invasive neuromodulation as a therapeutic intervention for CPP.
CONTENTS:
For this integrative review, electronic searches were conducted in Pubmed, Scielo, PEDro, Medline, Cochrane, and Scopus databases, examining studies in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. The keywords “pelvic pain,” “transcranial direct current stimulation,” and “transcranial magnetic stimulation” and their derivatives were searched in the three languages in studies from 2013 to 2023. Seven studies were included for analysis. Both techniques showed positive effects in managing CPP, improving pain levels and quality of life to a relevant extent. However, there is still no consensus on the parameters applied in TMS and tDCS techniques for CPP.
CONCLUSION:
Non-invasive neuromodulation improves pain levels and quality of life in patients with CPP. Further studies are needed to establish more reliable parameter relationships, and the limited number of studies restricts definitive conclusions on the subject.
Keywords
Chronic pain; Non-invasive neuromodulation; Pelvic pain; Transcranial magnetic stimulation; Transcranial direct current stimulation