Search for:
Search for:
Healthcare Professionals
Publications
News
EspaƱol
Contact
Magazine
Radio
Get Educated
What is MS?
A chronic neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system, comprised of the brain...
More Details
Educational Materials
Common Questions
Lending Library
Symptoms
Treatment Options
Additional Resources
Research
MS Awareness Month
Donate
Get Help
Health & Wellness Program
Get educational materials and referrals, as well as the opportunity to participate in various...
Learn More
Grants & Programs
Awareness Campaigns
Support Groups
Events
Lending Library
Additional Resources
Get Involved
MS Awareness Month
An annual, nationwide campaign with goals to promote an understanding of MS, and to assist those...
Learn More
Advocacy
Buy from Partners
Volunteer
Businesses
MS Research Trials
Outreach
Awareness Campaigns
Host an Event
Events
Test Flyout
lorem ipsum dolor sit lorem ipsum dolor sit lorem ipsum dolor sit lorem ipsum dolor sit lorem...
Learn More
Events Calendar
Health & Wellness
Fundraisers
Support
Web & Teleconferences
MS Education
Host an Event
About Us
Programs & Grants
More Details
Overview
Press Room
Leadership
Financial Statements
Our Mission
Careers at MS Focus
Affiliations
News & Features
MS Focus At Sea
MS Focus At Sea offers educational programs, opportunities to meet old and new friends, and adventures for every...
/Events/MSF-Events/MSFocus-Cruise-For-A-Cause
Computer Program
The MS Focus Computer Program provides laptop or desktop computers for individuals with MS on...
/Get-Help/MSF-Programs-Grants/Computer-Program
Shop
Privacy
Terms of Use
Site Map
Transcranial direct current stimulation reduces fatigue linked to MS
October 13, 2017
People with multiple sclerosis who underwent a noninvasive form of electrical brain stimulation experienced significant reductions in fatigue, according to new research from the Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center at NYU Langone Health.
When compared to patients who were enrolled in a placebo arm of the study, those that received the stimulation – called transcranial direct current stimulation, or tDCS – were found to have about a six-point drop on a 32-point scale measuring fatigue severity.
Because fatigue is a common complaint with MS, and with no effective treatments to address it, the researchers said the findings may point to a future role for this technology in treating fatigue. However, they point out the need to validate the findings in larger studies – and strongly caution individuals with MS not to try over-the-counter stimulation technologies at home or outside of a rigorous research setting.
The exact mechanism behind tDCS is unclear and requires more research. It is thought to change the brain's cortical excitability by making it easier for neurons to fire, thereby improving connections and expediting learning that takes place during rehabilitation. The researchers said results from the study suggest that tDCS might offer benefit in fatigue reduction. The next step is to see if these benefits can be replicated and sustained in larger studies.
The findings were published online in the
Multiple Sclerosis Journal
.
MS Focus Lending Library
Books, DVDs, and CDs are available for loan, by mail across the United States.
Learn more