Hi in last few weeks i loking in more details how tDCS works and how inprove it.

here is few ideas how create a good protocol:

1.Find the target
Find a specific neural structure and brainwaves

2.Cortical folding
Find cortical folding of this area.
How is interidivitual variability of cortical folding?

3.Adjust ealectrode size and placemet
Skin iritation/pain limit
Field orintation
Field intensity
(model is be best but may be posible partialy aproximate this data)

4.Filed intensity in the cortex , treesholds of polarization of varioous parts of neurones and effect of the whole nework

5.Stimulation parameters nad waveform
Try to aproximate from the model and use EEG to observe changes. (idelay use with fMRI)
If it not go wll try to create feed back loop with EEG and constantly change the stimulation parameters (use frequenci folowing responce and other stuff).
*in case if you traing changing brainwaves too
---------------
Currently used protocols with standart tDCS pads is very bad in focality
and didnt bother with many importhant things.Clinical researchers copy protocol one from ther without thinking what is actualy work (use oversimplified models).

How is it you are all doing this tDCS treatment but no one mentions how or where they got the protocols on placement of the leads. Where did you learn how to apply them? You all seem so educated in the treatment but I don't hear you talk about any doc who is following you or making the protocol suggestion. Did anyone go to any trials and learn the placement? You could spend your life on Pubmed searching but unless you have a goal you're lost in cyber space. Just throwing out this question since I'm very new to all this, but am a firm believer. Thanks.

Hi Hampster,
Very cute name! It sounds like you are new to this. I can only speak for myself. I learned through extensive research, mostly on Pub Med. It was arduous and very time consuming since I do not have a medical background. I followed suggestions on this thread and reviewed the methods section of tons of Pub Med articles. You must realize that there are very few doctors who use this treatment for many reasons which are mentioned in this thread. Every person responds differently to different protocols. You also have to know that like any medication, what works for me may not work for you.

If you are not comfortable digging through research and basically teaching yourself, and many are not, you might want to consider consulting with a doctor who is very comfortable with this.

Many have gone to James Fugedy. I suggest you give his office a call as a starting point. It would be a shame to just stab in the dark with some protocols only to conclude that you are not a responder, when with the proper guidance tDCS may really work for you.

Some one posted not too long ago that she was planning a visit to Fugedy, I think her name was Debbie. Try shooting her a pm. I know that Ballerina visited Fugedy as well as one of the other treatment centers. She could tell you more details about how to arrange a visit with either of those places to get the kind of support you need.

Hope this info is useful!

For me...I did some research and read some PubMed articles as well as watching the Jove video and reading the PDF file that was with it which gives a list of several different protocols along with their benefits and limitations. But the current protocol I am using is one that was suggested by ballerina who has done EXTENSIVE research, went through a tDCS trial, and has tried a number of protocols on her own to see what was most effective.

My primary care physician wrote me the script for the equipment and is supportive of my treatment with it...but she herself does not have a lot of experience with this sort of treatment and is not really overseeing my treatment or making any recommendations about it. But as there are no side effects and it is not invasive...it is very safe to treat myself at home.

I know there have been posts about Dr. Fugedy and even a link to his clinic in Atlanta that have been posted. I find the website for the clinic to be very informative about the benefits of this treatment and if I felt the need to treat with a doctor at a clinic...that would be where I would want to go. But for the cost of equipment and a bit of my time to research I think home treatment was the best option for me. The first protocol I tried didn't go as well as I hoped...but I was prepared to spend some time doing trial and error to find what worked best for me. I feel very lucky that I responded well to the second protocol I tried. If I couldn't get one to work for me I was prepared to schedule a visit to see Dr. Fugedy.

I hope that answers your question? I think that one of the simply wonderful things about tDCS is that it is a non-invasive, safe treatment, that can be done at home. My only fear about doing it on my own was that I would not be able to find a protocol that I responded to.

Thanks so much crpsjames & catra: I am friends with deb and she and I are planning a trip to see Dr Fugedy. We also learned about a dr. shneider here on Long Island where we live. I'm waiting to hear from him about his knowledge for pain treatment. His practice treats autism with the tDCS. So we thought he might be able to help us here and we wouldn't have to travel. But, my question was just in general about how you knew the protocols for RSD. If we can learn them from internet why can't we get more docs involved to help all the chronic pain sufferers. Plus I wanted a place to refer to if the protocols we are taught by Dr Fugedy fail. Again thanks so much for your response and I will be in touch often after going to Atlanta.

Hampster,

I believe you would be better served seeing Fugedy. I would not want you to be disappointed with your outcome on Long Island, only to have to spend more money and time for better care. I, myself would not visit the doctor you mentioned.

I believe Fugedy follows up with his patients if protocols do not work. You may want to ask him about this.

Your question regarding tDCS not being used to help more patients is bluntly ignorance perpetuated by greed.

How many pain patients do you think a doctor like Fugedy has to treat with tDCS to equal the implantation of one spinal cord stimulator?

Best of luck to you and your friend. It is a small world indeed!

Hi Hampster,

All the responses made to you are excellant. I thought to add my own.
My daughter has CRPS. As her advocate/ researcher in addition to the
very helpful responses made by other members, we were also led to Dr.
Fugedy in Altanta. Since my daughter could not travel by her self and
we were a great distance from Dr. Fugedy's practice it was a major feat
just to find a time when we could go so the appointment was made for the
first week in April. I had hoped by this time I would be posting wheather
she was a responder or non responder.

As someone said the best laid plans of mice and men often go astary. Three
weeks before the target date our family suffered illiness of others in other
states, and the same month the death of another family member so it was
necessary to post phone the treatment date. Doc Fugedy's office says they
can usually get another appointment quite soon but we are still dealing with
uncertainties regarding an ill family member so it will be awhile before we can reschedule.

That said, for my family and others like our situation I think going the route
of someone like Doc Fugedy is the best option and the experience I have had
thus far suggests he is a capable and caring doctor. I do have one regret due to the time line. I did a lot of research education wise and
some learning about TDCS but since we were going to the Doc in April I did
little other research. I regret that, we were surprised when my daughters
PM doc said he would write a script.

Suffice it to say while going to visit Doc Fugedy is not off the table in the
least, I have nevertheless put myself in action mode. I had began a search
for the protocals since we do not know what other delays we might face.
While my perference is for a visit with Doc Fugedy I am also getting ready
and it may be my daughter might join the ranks of home use. I have already
obtained the protocals used at the study in Beth Isreal. I have found getting
hold of one study serves to explain so many things. So much research on TDCS felt like being in a sea of info but reading the full text of the docs who
did the study is extremely helpful.

Regarless, of the route we take we will keep everyone posted. You TDCS
users and posters are my families hero's. You fill me with inspiration and
courage. Good luck to everyone.

Joydee

Edever, I did go to the Jove Video that is mentioned by Catra. I glimpsed at it and it does seem to give you a great deal of info and understanding. Go to Jove Video and you'll see what pops up. It looks very informative. Hang in there we will be going on April 27 to see Fugedy and we'll keep you informed as to any lessons we learn and progress. Follow CRPSJames also and he's aware of other info that provides protocols. Talk soon.

I am SO excited to here that you and Deb are going to visit Dr. Fugedy. From everything I have heard he is a very knowledgeable and compassionate doctor. I will pray for a very successful visit. April 27th is not too far away.

I'm sorry to hear that your visit got delayed (and also for the reasons that it has been delayed). I hope that things sort themselves out soon and that you are able to see Dr. Fugedy soon or that if do begin treating at home that this is successful (and would then save you the trip). I will keep you and your daughter in my thoughts and pray for your success as well.