About tDCS treatment
What is tDCS?
TDCS is a new therapy in which an electrical current so low that it cannot be felt is passed through the skull to the brain below. The mechanism of tDCS is not clear but studies have shown that the current affects a variety of brain areas. It has been proposed that the current may reverse the abnormal brain excitability responsible for pain.
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Who and how may benefit from tDCS?
Preliminary data suggests that tDCS may benefit patients with a variety of pain syndromes, including but not limited to:
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome,
formerly known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (CRPS/RSD) - Fibromyalgia
- Migraines
- Post-Stroke Pain Syndrome
- Low-back Pain
- Trigeminal Neuralgia and other types of facial pain
- Phantom-limb Pain
- Other types of neuropathic pain
The main benefit of the tDCS treatment is pain relief. However, some patients also report secondary benefits, for example improvement of sleep, mood, daily activities, and lower intake of pain medication.
Our experience indicates that about 66-70% of patients are tDCS responders, i.e. they experience pain relief and/or secondary benefits after receiving tDCS treatment.
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How is tDCS administered?
tDCS treatment involves 5 short sessions (20 min each) on 5 consecutive days, Mon-Fri.
During each session, the staff checks vital signs, and asks the patient about pain, fatigue and activity. Then, the staff administers tDCS stimulation: While the patient rests in a comfortable chair, two 2x2 inch electrodes are placed on his/her scalp for 20 minutes. The procedure does not elicit any pain. Usually, patients receiving tDCS report mild tingling, mild itching or mild burning on the skin under the electrodes. The sensation disappears at the end of stimulation. To elicit pain relief, tDCS procedure needs to be repeated on 5 consecutive days (Monday through Friday, 20 min of tDCS each day).
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Is is necessary to stop taking medications prior tDCS?
No, you can continue taking your current medications.
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Is this treatment safe?
Many patients have been treated with this procedure and no serious side effects have been reported to date.
There is no long-term experience as of yet.
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How can I get more information?
If you need more information about tDCS, please email us at inbsny@chpnet.org or call 212-844-8539. Leave your full name, phone number and the best time when we can reach you. We will get back to you within two working days.
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How should I proceed if I am interested in getting the tDCS treatment?
For scheduling the treatment, call 212-844-8539. Leave your full name, phone number and the best time when we can reach you. We will get back to you within two working days.
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