Long-term analgesic effect of trans-spinal direct current stimulation compared to non-invasive motor cortex stimulation in complex regional pain syndrome.

Abstract The aim of the present study was to compare analgesic effect motor cortex stimulation using high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic (rTMS) or direct current (tDCS), and transcutaneous spinal (tsDCS) in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Thirty-three CRPS were randomized one three treatment groups (rTMS, n = 11; tDCS, 10; tsDCS, 12) received a series 12 sessions for weeks (induction phase) 11 four months (maintenance therapy). primary endpoint mean intensity assessed weekly visual numerical scale (VNS) during month prior (baseline), 5-month period after treatment. VNS score significantly reduced at all time points compared baseline tsDCS group, last two rTMS group (end later), but no point tDCS group. A significant relief observed end induction phase (P 0.008) 0.003). In this trial, more efficient relieve techniques tDCS). This efficacy found maintained thereafter. warrants further investigation confirm potentiality as therapeutic option CRPS.