(392) Effects of alternating current trans-cranial stimulation on pain related depression and neuropathic pain in industrial limb injuries including CRPS

Abstract

Trans-cranial stimulation has been shown to have a positive effect on depression and chronic nociceptive pain. Current research on Trans-Cranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) suggests that it can induce changes in the rhythm and synchronicity of neuronal network activity.1 This clinical series assesses the anti-depressive capabilities of tACS on depression induced by neuropathic pain and assesses the analgesic properties of tACS on neuropathic pain induced by traumatic industries nerve injuries to the limbs. In order to test this, a cohort of 10 patients between the ages of 18 and 65 with sub-acute or chronic neuropathic pain features directly resulting from traumatic industrial nerve injury to the limbs were recruited which included cases of direct nerve trauma and CRPS. The primary outcome (depression severity caused by neuropathic pain) as well as the secondary outcome (neuropathic pain characteristics) were assessed via two pain metrics, one visual analog and one ratio scale, as well as an abbreviated depression questionnaire. The results of the series showed an average decrease of 19.17% in pain intensity (p=0.0015, ES = -1.1126, r= -0.2176), 32.82% decrease in pain unpleasantness (p=0.0039, ES = -1.2285, r= -0.2349), 19.87% decrease in global pain (p=0.0109, ES = -0.9238, r= -0.1876), and a 53.70% decrease in depressive symptom severity (p=0.0028, ES = -0.9160, r= -0.1863). Statistical analysis involved a paired t-test which showed statistical significance (p< 0.05) for all outcome measurements and calculated effect size. The results of this clinical series strongly suggest that tACS merits further research as a treatment method for pain induced depression as well as neuropathic pain resulting from traumatic nerve injury. (1. Ali, J Neurosci, 2013.) Supported by a grant from Nexalin Technology, Inc.