Very exciting. Can you give details on where you purchased the unit and what you do for your treatment?

Liz

The first thing you need to do is determine the most effective protocol for you pain (The placement of the electrodes). The protocols can be easily found. I started by doing a Pub Med search of Transcranial Deep Current Stimulation/upper limb CRPS. Some of the studies were readily available and others I obtained. You may purchase articles of interest or find someone who is either a staff member or student at a large university that has a medical school. The protocols are contained in the methodology section of the articles. You may also do a search of just protocols.

The equipment used for my original treatment at Beth Israel in NYC was an Ionto Phoresis unit by Iomed. By the time I decided to treat myself this particular unit had been discontinued. The unit I use now is advertised as the replacement unit for the Iomed model. The device is a Trivarion Activa Dose Phoresor. The wires needed are standard TENS unit wires. The electrodes are square sponge electrodes, which must be soaked in Saline solution. They are held in place with ace bandages.

I have used two different protocols. Both were helpful, but the current one has been more helpful. When I first underwent treatment is was a series of five day treatments each lasting twenty minutes. I currently treat twice a day for twenty minutes. When I am seeing no additional benefit I will stop treatment.

Please keep in mind that this is not a cure. Benefits eventually wear off but then the treatment is repeated.

Hope this info is helpful!

http://www.tmscenterofnewyork.com/

What about transcranial magnetic stimulation Can that help for neuorpic pain? I see the website above markets it as treating depression and alot of insurance companies accept it.

Yes, it can relieve neuropathic pain. My health insurance would only cover it for clinical depression. I could find no one who would treat me even out of pocket because I do not have clinical depression. Additionally transcranial magnetic stimulation has more side effects.

Hey Hampster,

Great news about your upcoming appointment for tDCS consultation. Here is the post by Ballerina that I followed when doing my own research. Like I said, it is a time consuming process and is not for everyone. It is a good skill to acquire though because it can aide in investigating other treatments too.

I have found no evidence that tDCS is a cure but I wonder if remission is possible with continued use. I only continue to make progress. A friend of mine recently pointed out that I am not yet back to where I was when I had the spinal cord stimultor implanted, which made so much worse that I received SSDI on the first try. I am just so happy that I am now out of the wheelchair, off the walker and now on a cane all of the time. I absolutely know that I will get off the cane.

I was working when I had the SCS implanted. My goal now is to return to work. I hope for similar results for you and your friend!!!!!!!!!