Quote:
Originally Posted by *pamela*
I'm also curious: can someone explain to me how tCDS has helped them? Is it mainly for helping cognitive improvement, or does it also reduce your pain level/ability to function in day-to-day life?
(sorry to be that annoying person who is overwhelmed by 48 pages and so I'm asking questions that have probably already been answered)
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For me...tDCS has helped with some things and not with others. Things that have improved for me with use of tDCS:
1. Pain flares less often.
2. Pain flares last a shorter amount of time (one day vs. days or weeks).
3. Sleep went from only getting 3 hours a night with meds to now 6-8 without meds (HUGE).
I did not rely ONLY on tDCS as a treatment but since beginning it's use my balance has also improved a little (which I think is mostly due to the physical therapy and increased activity since returning to work but tDCS may have played a part as well).
Things that have not improved with use of tDCS:
1. Pain levels (flares are less often but the daily pain is the same and rises at the same triggers).
2. Hypersensitivity to touch and cold.
3. Ability to concentrate (never tried a protocol for this specifically though...may try in future).
Overall I would say that tDCS has been HUGE for me in taking back a more normal life. The increased amount of sleep and fewer flare and flares that last only a day are big deals to me for increasing my ability to function. That, however, has been my primary focus with ALL of my treatment plans for tDCS in the past 2 years...to target symptoms and the things that were preventing me from FUNCTIONING as a normal person. I still need a walker and have limitations...but I am back to work and living a "normal" life again. Prior to starting tDCS I was just beginning to get back on my feet after being in a wheelchair for almost a year.
Take care and good luck.