Pain is an unpleasant sensory or emotional sensation that may be related to or resemble the condition of the presence or potential tissue damage that occurs in the human body. Acute pain occurs in a period of <1 month, while chronic pain occurs in 3 months or more.
The large number of drugs given for chronic pain in the long term has the negative effect of decreasing the level of compliance in taking medication, as well as increasing the pain threshold so that the drugs are no longer as effective as before, this is where tDCS can be the next solution option.
Chronic pain is a very disruptive condition that can drastically affect a person’s quality of life. Many people are frustrated because they have tried various painkillers, physical therapy, and even invasive medical procedures, but the pain keeps coming back. But now, there is a new option that is safer, more comfortable, and less painful: tDCS (Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation).
What is tDCS?
tDCS is a therapy that uses a weak, safe electrical current to stimulate specific parts of the brain that are involved in processing pain by allowing changes in brain chemistry that play a role in chronic pain. The method is very simple: two small electrodes are attached to the scalp, according to the brain area to be stimulated, and a mild electrical current is passed for about 20–30 minutes. This electrical current can penetrate up to 1cm from the skull, allowing stimulation to the targeted brain area. You will not feel any pain, just a slight tingling or warmth in the area where the electrodes are attached.
It is important to understand that tDCS is not a stand-alone primary therapy, but rather part of a multimodal approach to treating chronic pain. This therapy works to change the perception of pain in the brain, thereby helping to reduce the intensity of pain felt by patients. However, the underlying cause of the pain must still be addressed specifically and comprehensively.
How Does tDCS Reduce Pain?
Research shows that the brain has the ability to “reset” the way it processes pain signals. In patients with chronic pain, there are changes in the structure and function of the sufferer's brain, so that there will be deviations in the dynamics of the brain network which if prolonged can lower mood, increase depression rates, disrupt social interactions and reduce the quality of life of the sufferer.
Stimulation is usually given to the motor cortex (the part of the brain that controls movement and sensation) or the prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain that controls emotions and perception of pain). The effect is not only to reduce pain, but also to improve mood and help patients sleep better, two things that are often disrupted by chronic pain.
Who is Suitable for tDCS?
tDCS is perfect for those of you who experience:
- Pain due to stroke (for example tingling, heat, or a burning sensation in certain parts of the body).
- Nerve pain such as that caused by diabetes (diabetic neuropathy).
- Persistent muscle and joint pain (back, neck, or shoulders).
- Recurrent migraines .
- Fibromyalgia , which is pain throughout the body that is often accompanied by fatigue and sleep disturbances.
Advantages of tDCS
- May reduce the need for pain medication.
- It does not cause pain.
- Short therapy time (20-30 minutes).
- Can be done while sitting relaxed.
- Side effects are very minimal.
Several hospitals and rehabilitation centers in Indonesia, such as RS EMC, have provided tDCS services as part of their pain treatment program. Patients are usually advised to undergo tDCS several times a week for several weeks, depending on their condition and the body's response to the therapy.
tDCS is a very potential treatment method for patients with chronic pain. This therapy opens up new hope for many people who want to return to living a pain-free life. If you or someone close to you is struggling with prolonged pain, there is nothing wrong with consulting a neurologist about tDCS.
Living a pain-free life is no longer just a wish—with tDCS, it can be a reality .
Article written by dr. Rineke Twistixa Arandita, Sp.N (Neurology Specialist Doctor, EMC Pulomas Hospital).