Feusner, 2012 Effects of cranial electrotherapy stimulation on resting state brain activity

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From "Brain Behav. 2012 May; 2(3): 211–220."

 

A study with some interesting information on how CES might work by the effect it might have on the 'default mode network' of the brain. Several members here have tried these devices with varying levels of 'success' or 'not'.

 

Title: Effects of cranial electrotherapy stimulation on resting state brain activity

 

Jamie D Feusner,¹Sarah Madsen,¹Teena D Moody,¹Cara Bohon,¹Emily Hembacher,²Susan Y Bookheimer,³ and Alexander Bystritsky¹

 

Abstract:

 

Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment for insomnia, depression, and anxiety consisting of pulsed, low-intensity current applied to the earlobes or scalp. Despite empirical evidence of clinical efficacy, its mechanism of action is largely unknown. The goal was to characterize the acute effects of CES on resting state brain activity. Our primary hypothesis was that CES would result in deactivation in cortical and subcortical regions. Eleven healthy controls were administered CES applied to the earlobes at subsensory thresholds while being scanned with functional magnetic resonance imaging in the resting state. We tested 0.5- and 100-Hz stimulation, using blocks of 22 sec “on” alternating with 22 sec of baseline (device was “off”). The primary outcome measure was differences in blood oxygen level dependent data associated with the device being on versus baseline. The secondary outcome measures were the effects of stimulation on connectivity within the default mode, sensorimotor, and fronto-parietal networks. Both 0.5- and 100-Hz stimulation resulted in significant deactivation in midline frontal and parietal regions. 100-Hz stimulation was associated with both increases and decreases in connectivity within the default mode network (DMN). Results suggest that CES causes cortical brain deactivation, with a similar pattern for high- and low-frequency stimulation, and alters connectivity in the DMN. These effects may result from interference from high- or low-frequency noise. Small perturbations of brain oscillations may therefore have significant effects on normal resting state brain activity. These results provide insight into the mechanism of action of CES, and may assist in the future development of optimal parameters for effective treatment.

 

Keywords: CES, default mode network, fMRI, fronto-parietal network, intrinsic connectivity networks, sensorimotor network

 

More information at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3381625/

Edited July 27, 2015 by Altostrata
edited title for Journals forum