Recently, more and more new treatment methods have appeared. Each of them allows curing serious pathologies with minimal complications for the body. One of these methods is transcranial electrical stimulation. What is this method when it is used and what are its contraindications?
What is transcranial electrical stimulation?
This is a new technique for the selective activation of brain defense mechanisms using rectangular pulsed currents of short duration, about 4 ms, and low frequency, from 50 to 200 Hz.
Pulse currents of low frequency pass through the cerebrospinal fluid and selectively irritate the endogenous opioid system of the brain stem, provoke the release of beta-endorphin and enkephalin from the neurons of the stem. Their content becomes more than three times. Opioid peptides do not allow impulses from the focus of pain at the level of the posterior horns of the spinal cord. But transcranial electrical stimulation - what does it treat?
A bit of history
As early as the beginning of the 19th century, the first studies of the effects of stimulating currents on the brain began. The first such studies were carried out by a physiologist from France Ledyuk, and after that Russian scientists joined. Significant results in those days, alas, no one was able to achieve.
In the early 80s, a Russian scientist Lebedev, conducting his research, slightly changed the parameters of the currents and chose the best localization of electrodes acting on the brain. In the course of all studies, he was able to obtain accurate data and recorded that it is possible to exert an analgesic effect in humans using a pulse current frequency of 77 Hz if the sensors are installed in the fronto-occipital region. If all the established parameters are observed, then the analgesic effect can be maintained for almost 12 hours after the procedure. Currently, it is precisely these currents that are used when transcranial electrical stimulation is used.
Therapeutic effect
Transcranial electrical stimulation is also used at present with the same parameters that were established even more than 35 years ago - the current frequency is 77 Hz, the pulse duration is about 4 ms, and the current strength is 300 mA. It is these numbers that enable the opioid structures of the brain to be activated and beta-endorphins released. This effect makes it possible to stop the pain, as well as significantly reduce the dose of drugs required for anesthesia during operations.
In addition to analgesia, transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) also has such therapeutic effects:
- Beta-endorphin also has an antidepressant effect, completely relieves anxiety, promotes rapid adaptation to new living conditions, improves mood and forms resistance to stressful situations.
- It normalizes blood pressure, this occurs due to the effect on the centers of the medulla oblongata.
- It stimulates the immune system due to the activation of lymphocytes by beta-endorphin.
In addition, transcranial electrical stimulation has been shown to be effective in treating pathological addictions: it removes symptoms of withdrawal symptoms, craving for drug use and alcoholic beverages by stimulating the opiate system. Due to this, the body does not require regular use of drugs and alcohol.
Also, transcranial electrical stimulation showed very good results when recovering a patient after severe burns. Having an analgesic effect on the body, it eliminates vasospasm caused by stress in the area where the tissues are affected, and also improves blood flow. In parallel, the production of growth hormone is stimulated in the brain, which enhances the synthesis of endogenous protein, which helps to accelerate tissue repair and regeneration.
It was also noted that after the procedure, school children are better adapted to study, especially in children with hyperactivity syndrome. Significantly improves memory and perception of information.
Positive moments of TPP
Stimulation of the brain using current pulses has many advantages:
- When transcranial electrical stimulation (TPP) of the brain is not provided for any medication, it is carried out using weak current pulses through electrodes placed on the scalp in a certain area.
- TES-therapy is a therapeutic effect that selectively activates the protective mechanisms of the brain and causes a strong release of endorphin and serotonin. It is thanks to the increase in these substances in the brain and in the circulatory system that the therapeutic effect occurs.
- This method is not the only one, but it was the TPP that has been very carefully developed, therefore it is considered the best and most effective, especially when compared with elec-narcosis, electric power, or electroanalgesia.
- This procedure is used in the treatment of both adults and children, it showed especially good results in the treatment of cerebral palsy in children.
- This method of treatment has no side effects, and it has very few contraindications.
- Thanks to the latest developments, now the procedure can be carried out directly at home using miniature devices such as alpha.
- Patients tolerate the procedure well enough.
- It does not cause discomfort.
- The pain and discomfort in the joints and muscles are quickly relieved.
- The psycho-emotional balance is restored.
- Great for relapse prevention.
- It helps to cleanse the liver and restore the functioning of internal organs.
When is brain electrical stimulation indicated?
Transcranial electrical stimulation indications has the following:
- Disorders of the central nervous system, such as fears, neurosises, chronic fatigue, sudden unreasonable mood changes and others.
- Malfunctions of the heart and blood vessels, for example, high blood pressure or recovery from a heart attack.
- Gastrointestinal tract pathologies: ulcers, gastritis, non-infectious hepatitis.
- Pain syndrome with muscle tension, cardialgia, myalgia, headaches.
- Migraine.
- Pathology of the musculoskeletal system, such as osteochondrosis.
- The postoperative period.
- Vegetative-vascular dystonia.
- Sensorineural hearing loss.
- Eye diseases.
- PMS and relief of signs of menopause.
- Skin diseases.
- Treatment of burns of varying degrees of intensity.
- Enuresis and encopresis.
- Dental manifestations.
What is transcranial electrical stimulation, what it treats is understandable, but it is worth remembering that any method of therapy has not only indications, but also contraindications, this procedure is no exception.
When is the procedure not recommended?
Transcranial electrical stimulation contraindications for conducting has the following:
- Damage to the skin or injury at the points of attachment of the electrodes.
- Epilepsy and cramps.
- Acute renal failure, hypertensive crisis.
- Hyperthyroidism
- Patients with pacemakers.
Now you need to understand how this procedure is performed.
How is a TPP and on which device?
A few years ago, it was possible to carry out the procedure only within the walls of a medical institution under the supervision of a doctor, but now, thanks to modern developments, a new device has appeared - an apparatus for transcranial electrical stimulation of alfaria.
The principle of operation of this device is based on the stimulation of alpha-rhythms of the brain, the restoration of the normal functioning of other biorhythms, an increase in the concentration of serotonin, acetylcholine, met-enkephalin and beta-endorphins.
The operation of the device is based on precision technology, due to which it is possible to generate a complex sequence of current pulses.
The transcranial electrostimulation device is an excellent alternative to drugs, especially in cases where long-term treatment is required. During the procedure, the patient feels pleasant relaxation, lightness throughout the body and clarity of thinking. The device is convenient to use, therefore it is recommended both for medical institutions and for home use.
It is used for various pathologies, including gynecology.
TPP of the brain in obstetrics and gynecology
It is no secret to anyone that the effects of current on the human brain can cure a large number of diseases. Transcranial electrical stimulation in gynecology is indicated for the treatment of pathologies of the reproductive system in women:
- With violations of the female genital area, for example, dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
- Chronic inflammatory processes of the genitals in women, such as subacute adnexitis and colpitis.
- In case of urinary incontinence.
- With miscarriage.
- To enhance orgasm.
- To reduce the diameter of the vagina, which was stretched during labor.
But this method of therapy is allowed to be used in the treatment of not only adults, but also children. So, transcranial electrical stimulation is used for children with speech disorders and other conditions.
The use of electrical stimulation in children
Recently, cases of treatment by parents who complain about the speech of their child have become more frequent. Speech is a complex mental process, a form of the highest nervous activity. The second signaling system in a person develops throughout his life and reflects his mental activity.
In the implementation of speech involved different parts of the brain, cortical speech zones: auditory, motor, visual. In the left hemisphere in the temple area there is a perception and differentiation of auditory irritations, in other words, a process of speech recognition occurs. And the lower frontal gyrus, located in the left hemisphere, plays the role of a speech utterance, in the visual area there is recognition of graphic written speech.
Transcranial electrical stimulation of the brain allows you to act on the right areas and solve problems with speech in the child. According to reviews by many parents who were already able to try therapy on their baby, after the first course of therapy, which is 8-12 sessions, they noticed that the child’s speech improved significantly. After that, very few people take a second course, a few lessons with a specialist - and everything gets better very quickly.
Also, transcranial electrical stimulation of the brain gave very good results in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy. Thanks to this kind of procedure in children with this diagnosis:
- When electrodes act on the parietal and frontal areas, muscle tone is normalized, and the volume of active and passive movements increases.
- Exposure to the temporal and frontal cortex allows activation of higher cognitive and speech functions.
- Exposure to the temples and the back of the head improves auditory and visual functions.
- By acting on the temple and parietal region, you can significantly reduce the number of convulsive seizures.
But it is worth remembering that the appointing doctor should prescribe the procedure, who has been observing a child with such a serious pathology for a long time. Only he can say in which case it is allowed to apply the procedure, and when it can harm, because she has contraindications, which are described above, but each baby can have its own individual characteristics.
TPP in the treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction
Transcranial electrical stimulation of the brain, the reviews of many patients confirm this, perfectly helps to fight alcohol and drug addiction. But the specialist should only carry out the procedure using modern devices.
In the treatment of addiction, the main thing is to minimize the natural consequences arising from a sharp refusal to take drugs and alcoholic beverages. Withdrawal syndrome is very scary for patients, in addition, psychological discomfort is additionally added. Also, many neurological disorders are additionally detected in many addiction-dependent patients.
TES-therapy allows not only to relieve withdrawal symptoms and normalize the work of some internal organs, but also to improve the psychological state. In addition, there is no getting used to the procedure. A positive effect can be seen after the first session, and over time it only increases.
Transcranial electrical stimulation of the brain, patient reviews are evidence of this, normalizes the mechanisms of vascular regulation, removes all signs of hypertension and a depressed state. But experts consider the main effect of therapy to be the complete disappearance of craving for drugs and alcohol. If you apply this procedure as a course, then you can greatly increase the comfort of therapy, minimize the risk of relapse and return to addiction.
In addition, it was proved by many patients that thanks to therapy, wounds on the skin and mucous membranes of the internal organs heal very quickly. Many patients who have been addicted to drugs or alcohol for a long time have ulcerative disorders in the stomach and duodenum. Thanks to impulse actions, regeneration is very fast, which means that the patient’s quality of life is significantly improved, he can avoid serious consequences with his health in the future.
In simple words, TES-therapy not only eliminates addiction, but also heals all the wounds that it inflicted. Used in the treatment of patients who have long been abusing drugs or alcohol, it offers several advantages:
- Significantly improves social adaptation.
- Relieves withdrawal symptoms.
- Reduces the pain of “breaking”, which was caused by the fact that the body does not receive the desired drug or alcohol.
- Restores the psychological state.
- It normalizes blood pressure.
- Promotes rapid tissue regeneration.
- Eliminates itching on the skin of any origin.
- It has anti-allergic effect.
- Removes inflammatory processes.
- It has an immunostimulating effect.
- Eliminates all signs of depression and alleviates stress.
How is the procedure performed?
They conduct electrical stimulation in a comfortable environment for the patient, he can take a sitting or lying position. At the first session, the patient is introduced to how the therapy is carried out, and he adapts to it. The doctor selects for each a certain amount of current, the time of no more than 20 minutes. During the procedure, the doctor carefully monitors the patient as he tolerates therapy. This is necessary for him in order to assess the clinical effect and in the future to choose the optimal value for the operation of the equipment.
Already from the second session, the duration of the procedure is extended by 2 times, it is carried out every day or every other day. If the patient has severe withdrawal symptoms, then in this case, the doctor may recommend treatment twice a day, but with an interval of at least 10 hours.
After the session, the patient should rest for half an hour. To achieve maximum effect you need to go through at least 12 sessions. You can repeat the course after 2-3 weeks.
Conclusion
Summing up from the above, we can say for sure that the effect of transcranial electrical stimulation, reviews of many patients are evidence of this, maximum. Those who have already tried the procedure on themselves, say that it is aimed at one thing, and in the end allows you to cure additional diseases. So, on the example of an alcohol-dependent patient, we can say for sure that thanks to TES-therapy, not only does a person get rid of addiction, but also restores his body after severe binge. Relapse after treatment does not occur, life is completely changing for the better, the same thing happens with those who were addicted to drugs.
Also, electrical stimulation with small currents to certain areas of the brain in a child can improve speech and even alleviate the symptoms of cerebral palsy. But it is worth remembering that only correctly prescribed treatment can give the desired result, therefore, it is better to carry out therapy under the supervision of a doctor. Although at present there are such devices that allow you to conduct such sessions at home, but the first procedures are best done with a specialist who will explain all the intricacies of the conduct.