Three weeks bilateral tDCS over auditory cortex significantly improves tinnitus: A double blinded randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract Background: Preliminary studies showed possible therapeutic efficacy of multisession transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over auditory cortex (AC) for chronic tinnitus; however, the findings are controversial. Objective: To investigate effects repeated sessions bilateral tDCS AC on tinnitus symptoms in intractable tinnitus. Methods: A double blinded randomized placebo controlled parallel trial was conducted 40 patients with (> 2 years). Participants were randomly assigned into two groups real (n=28), anode/cathode left/right AC, or treatment (n=28). Daily 20 min session mA 5 consecutive days per week and 3 weeks 35 cm2 electrodes applied. Tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) assessed before after intervention, at one month follow-up. The loudness distress using a visual analogue scale (VAS) immediately, hour, week, last stimulation. Possible interaction between disease features response evaluated. Results: Ten anodal significantly reduced THI 1-month follow-up (P< 0.001), 21 28 participants. In addition, significant VAS found 0.001). sham no statistically differences any variables. Age, sex, evolution time, laterality, basal THI, correlation response. Conclusion: may serve as potential modality Research Category Technology Methods Clinical Research: 5. Other Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES) Keywords: stimulation, Chronic Tinnitus, Intractable, Treatment