NeuroTalk Support Groups - Side Effects of tDCS

NeuroTalk Support Groups (https://www.neurotalk.org/)

- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD and CRPS) (https://www.neurotalk.org/reflex-sympathetic-dystrophy-rsd-and-crps-/)

- - Side Effects of tDCS (https://www.neurotalk.org/reflex-sympathetic-dystrophy-rsd-and-crps-/59760-effects-tdcs.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBug (Post 408080)

Hey to All! I am new to this site but have loved reading all of the stories for some time. My wife is a long term (greater than 10years) sufferer of RSD. Began as facial though is now spreading. We have tried most modalities of treatment and none have workled - except short lived good results from Ketamine infusions.

My question to you all: Have you, or anyone you know of, experienced tDCS and had side effects of flashes of light followed by a painful shock?:confused:

We are attempting tDCS and I am wondering if the placement of the anodal electrode may be involving the occipital nerve instead of just the motor cortex. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Hi,

If memory serves me I recall in listening to a utube video called informed consent, showing treatment by TDCS and during the video it was mentioned
sometimes during treatment shocks might occur and if so just inform the attendent. I think if you google informed consent it might take you to the
site and you could hear what it said. At any rate sounds like a shock is
not unusual. Good luck.

Joydee :confused:

Actually painful shocks are not common or routine with this procedure. Had they been common the procedure would have been ruled out for me. My consultations with two of the three top TDCS docs in the country confirmed for me that the procedure is safe and is side effect free if basic protocols are followed.

The worse side effect could be potential skin or scalp burn which doesn't happen if proper protocol is adhered to.

Sounds like back when the original poster started this thread that they were not using the proper sponge electrodes. If I followed it correctly, sounds like once they got them that the shock side effect went away. It's been a few years since then so I would guess they have probably worked out any of the bugs in that time to come up with proper protocols. All the current information that I've seen says the same thing, that irritation at the site of the electrodes is the only side effect.