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  4. Feasibility of remotely-supervised tDCS in a person with neuropathic pain due to spinal cord injury

Feasibility of remotely-supervised tDCS in a person with neuropathic pain due to spinal cord injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2018 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2018.1451239 · Published: January 1, 2018

Spinal Cord InjuryNeurologyPain Management

Simple Explanation

This letter reports the feasibility of using remotely supervised transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) at home for a person with spinal cord injury (SCI) experiencing neuropathic pain. The participant and her caretaker were trained to self-administer tDCS using a remote-controlled device, with the research team providing real-time supervision via an internet communication system. The study found that remotely supervised tDCS was feasible and well-tolerated, with the participant reporting it as useful and easy to perform for managing pain at home.

Study Duration
Not specified
Participants
A 57-year old woman with tetraplegia and sublesional neuropathic pain
Evidence Level
Case Study

Key Findings

  • 1
    Remotely supervised tDCS is feasible for individuals with SCI and neuropathic pain.
  • 2
    The intervention was generally well-tolerated, with only minor and transient adverse effects reported.
  • 3
    The participant found the system useful and easy to use for managing pain at home and would use it again.

Research Summary

This letter to the editor discusses the feasibility of remotely supervised tDCS for neuropathic pain in a person with spinal cord injury. The study involved training the participant and their caretaker for self-administration, with remote supervision from the research team. The results showed that the remotely supervised sessions were successfully conducted and well-tolerated. The participant found the system useful and easy to use. The authors conclude that remotely supervised tDCS is a feasible alternative pain treatment for SCI subjects, suggesting that new systems with better electrode positioning may be needed for increased portability.

Practical Implications

Home-based Pain Management

Remotely supervised tDCS offers a potential home-based pain management strategy for individuals with SCI, reducing the need for frequent clinic visits.

Improved Adherence

Remote supervision may improve adherence to tDCS treatment protocols compared to traditional in-clinic approaches.

Future Development

Further development of portable tDCS systems with improved electrode positioning is needed for wider adoption and increased independence.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Single case study limits generalizability.
  • 2
    Lack of control group.
  • 3
    Short follow-up period.

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