Transcranial Direct Current Simulation (tDCS), a non-invasive, painless electrical brain stimulation delivered via electrodes placed over the head, may possibly be able to lessen the effects of chronic pain. However, the treatment usually involves using equipment requiring a visit to a medical facility.
A study using tDCS devices was coordinated through the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina, and the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, with funding from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston
VA researchers have shown that an entirely home-based transcranial stimulation treatment for chronic pain is feasible and could help Veterans with co-occurring pain and PTSD. The research team has combined the treatment with PTSD psychotherapy to treat both conditions simultaneously.
According to researchers, the treatment could be extremely beneficial to Veterans because of the absence of addiction potential, ease of use, and perhaps the ability to be integrated with other treatments for comorbid conditions.
Participants were trained to use tDCS devices from the comfort of their home by using televideo and then self-administering tDCS treatment under remote televideo supervision. Delivering the treatment at home makes it much more accessible to Veterans and other patients.
During the study, participants experienced significant improvements in PTSD symptoms. Although not directly treated, depression symptoms declined, and participants reported improvement in their quality of life.
This was the first trial aimed at treating both chronic pain and PTSD by integrating evidence-based psychotherapy with a non-drug treatment device. Since the pilot trial proved feasible, an expanded clinical trial with more participants will be used to test how well an at-home treatment programs works.
As a result, the team co-led by Hernandez-Tejada and Dr. Sheila Rauch at the Atlanta VA Healthcare System, have submitted several proposals for funding to the Department of Defense and to foundations such as the Wounded Warrior Project.
Go to https://www.research.va.gov for more information.