The effect of cranial electrotherapy stimulation on preoperative anxiety and hemodynamic responses

Abstract

Background: Cranial electrotherapy stimulation is used as a treatment for depression, anxiety, insomnia, and adjunctive intervention for pain management. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of cranial electrotherapy stimulation pretreatment on the level of preoperative anxiety and the hemodynamic responses. Methods: Sixty patients undergoing general anesthesia were randomly assigned into two groups to receive either no pretreatment (Control group, n = 30) or cranial electrotherapy stimulation pretreatment (CES group, n = 30). Anxiety score, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate were measured in the preoperative holding area and the operating room. Results: The anxiety score in the operating room compared with the preoperative holding area decreased in the CES group, but increased in the Control group. Systolic blood pressure and heart rate in the operating room were lower in the CES group compared with the Control group. Conclusions: Cranial electrotherapy stimulation pretreatment reduced the level of the preoperative anxiety and the hemodynamic responses. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2008; 55: 657~61)