I use a TENS unit with much success and I have never heard of any issues with them causing spread. BUT...they do not work for everyone and for some people using a TENS unit can actually be more painful (maybe cause a fare but not spread...at least from what I have heard). That tends to be how things go with CRPS...but considering how non invasive it is and the possibility of success I definitey think it is worth a shot for everyone...much as I feel tDCS should be tried by everyone before doing anything more invasive.

I don't know what companies might ship to the UK or if there are any UK based medica supply stores where you might get a TDCS unit. It might help in your search to know that the unit that is used for tDCS treatments is an Iontophoresis Delivery Unit...and you will have to buy different lead wires and electrodes to convert it for tDCS treatments.

Thanks for the response. I'll try checking out more stores first, she's going to get a Bier's block which had worked for her before so I'm going to urge her to use tDCS and TENS as early as possible too

This is a report for anyone interested in tdcs trials.

Upon reading of ballerinas success with tdcs, and then doing considerable research on the subject (I live in a town where I can go to a university to get access to this the published scientific literature) -- I obtained a similar tdcs system as ballerina uses and have done a couple 10 day trial periods. I did one 20 minute session a day, at 2 milliamps.

I have experienced no discernible change whatsoever in any of my symptoms. In the 1st ten-day period, I placed the anode over and a little below the EEG C3 location, and the cathode on my forehead above my left eye. I experienced some significant sleep disturbances, which caused me to stop and reevaluate.

In the 2nd 10 day period, I placed the anode over the EEG C3 location and a little above and behind towards the rear of my head, and the cathode on my forehead above my left eye. I did not experience any sleep disturbances in this trial, but nor did I experience positive changes in my symptoms.

I have a very angular head -- and using the square rather inflexible electrodes is rather frustrating for me -- because the C3 location is right at where my head does about an 80° bend!! I may purchase a those round flexible electrodes & sponges.

Almost every session I do experience some flashing in my eyes -- which settles down within a few minutes, and my forehead sometimes is a bit irritated/burning under the electrode.

Just fyi for you all! I will continue to make adjustments to see if I can make any progress in reducing pain/alleviating some of my symptoms.

PS> I found FMMichael’s references to Dr. Llinas’s groups research and theories to be quite fascinating -- thanks a lot! And thanks to ballerina!

Hi Voner,
Glad you are trying tDCS. I am a little confused. It sounds like both electrodes are on the same side of your head. Is that correct?

crpsjames,

sorry i wasn't clear. I'm following standard tDCS for pain protocol. anode on one side, cathode on the other. So far, In my case, anode on the left side.

regards.

voner

So...just to be clear, you then have the anode on your left side and the cathode above your RIGHT eye? I know I personally had to really think about it the first few times...I was overthinking it I think.

I started doing treatments twice a day starting Sunday and so far so good I think. I believe I have noticed some pain reduction...though to be honest I don't notice the pain level dropping so much as I notice that after a few hours it goes back up again. I think it's just because I have gotten so used to the high pain levels all the time that it's throwing me off. I'm going to continue with this current electrode placement for another week and see if there is any significant difference over time and if not I will try a different protocol.

I just had to post about my headaches. I have been suffering with severe headaches for years. Two weeks ago I thought they were getting better but reminded myself that it was probably just wishful thinking.

Now I know better because the headaches are gone. In the past anything has set off a headaches, light, noise, perfumes. I have not had a headache in ten days. It has been years since I was headache free.

Also my energy level is improving by leaps and bounds. I didn't realize how CRPS had robbed me of energy until I started improving.

I am beginning to wonder if tDCS is reversing the course of the disease since one of the many hallmarks of CRPS progression is decreasing energy levels.

I am zipping around now on my walker. I am getting stronger every day. I know it is only a matter of time before I walk out the door with a cane. My physical therapist has designed an aggressive exercise program for me to follow at home. Yesterday she measured my calf and I have gained one half inch!!!!!

Has anybody come up with an effective tDCS booster schedule?