Overview
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation uses constant low-level electrical current to stimulate or reduce activity in specific areas of your brain.
This treatment can help you if you have:
- Depression
- Migraine headaches
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic pain
Our Approach
We consider each client’s individual concerns and experiences and work to tailor treatments to your particular needs and therapeutic goals.
Learn More
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive, pain-free approach that uses direct, low dose electrical current (up to two milliamps) to stimulate specific parts of the brain.
It works by delivering the low intensity current to the areas of your brain involved in your symptoms.
tCDS can provide positive or negative stimulation. Positively charged electrodes (anodes) can increase neuronal activity in a brain region. Negatively charged electrodes (cathodes) can reduce activity.
tDCS is very gentle. It does not cause brain cells or neurons to fire but instead, gets them ready to fire, called priming. The general process supports the brain’s ability to change over time, called neuroplasticity.
tCDS and depression
In double blind, placebo-controlled trials, tCDS has been shown to be as effective as sertraline, a common antidepressant, for treating depression. When the two approaches were combined, the effect was better than either treatment alone.
tCDS and Fibromyalgia and Migraine
tCDS is a Health Canada approved treatment for Fibromyalgia and Migraine headaches. Their approval is based on 16 studies that all showed tCDS to be an effective treatment for these conditions, as well as for pain associated with spinal cord injury.
Side effects
Some people experience:
- Tingling and itching at the electrode sites during treatment
- Headaches during treatment
- A change in energy (higher or lower) after the treatment
- Depression
- Migraine headaches
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic pain
- Schizophrenia
- Aphasia
- Addiction
- Epilepsy
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Stroke
- Language disorders
- Movement disorders
- Impaired cognition
In addition to relieving symptoms of the conditions mentioned above, tCDS has the following benefits:
- Minimal side effects
- Can be used alone or in addition to medication in treatment-resistant situations
- Effective alongside psychotherapy and counselling and may enhance the benefits of that care
- No major drug interactions
- Potentially improved cognition
- Reduced pain
- Improved cognitive speed
Treatments generally begin with sessions three to five times a week, for two to three weeks, and are then gradually decreased.
Initial appointment
About 30 minutes
During this time your naturopathic doctor will:
- Take a detailed history
- Do an in-depth assessment to determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment
- Complete a screening physical exam
- Possibly order laboratory testing
- Recommend a treatment plan
- Receive first treatment??
Follow-up appointments:
About 30 minutes
- Continue with a treatment plan
- Check-in on treatment progress
Our Practitioners
We take an empathetic approach to your care and always provide the most up-to-date information and resources. We want to help you on your journey to recovery.
Not sure where to start? Call 250-475-1522, ext 2. and our patient care coordinators will help.
