CES / Alpha-Stim

[DD214_DOC]

I'm curious what everyone's thoughts are regarding this. I know nothing about it, but was sent to try it as part of my evaluation/treatment for possible idiopathic hypersomnia for the possibility it's actually primary insomnia and yadda yadda.

It was an interesting experience, and I admitted to the psychologist my expectation was that he was FOS and I wouldn't experience anything. This wasn't true and I was quite surprised but remain skeptical.

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[WisNeuro]

Last time I checked, the data was sparse, and not good for this. Haven't looked in a couple years though. Recent Cochrane review (2014) found 0 studies meeting acceptable levels for inclusion in a review.

Edit, the above was for depression. Another 2014 found no demonstrable effect on chronic pain. Not sure about insomnia, but I'm very skeptical.

 

[FlowRate]

Also skeptical. Placebo effect can be really strong, especially when the placebo is procedural. Just look at Botox for migraines. Both placebo (saline injections) and botox had strong response. Botox IMO may have had stronger response because the patients who received Botox were able to tell that they were in the intervention arm.

 

[nitemagi]

I think the data on tDCS is more interesting.

 

[WisNeuro]

I think the data on tDCS is more interesting.

Haven't seen any great data. For a while they were touting it as being able to improve speech outcomes following stroke, data would suggest it does nothing there. I've seen some studies in depression, but they are usually fairly small n's and the sham conditions are questionable, and the study usually goes about 6-8 weeks with little or no follow-up outcome measures. Could be something there, but the rigor of the studies leaves much to be desired.