|
|
 |
NANCY R. BROUHARD, R.N. M.B.A.
President, ASPEN Medical Certified T.M.D. Assistant
|
GERALD L. BROUHARD, D.M.D. PC. FAGD
Vice President, ASPEN Medical Director - Bay Area Cranio-Facial Pain Center
|
|
- Original Research -
The Effect of a Single Cranial Electrotherapy
Stimulation on Multiple Stress Measures
by Michael Heffernan, Ph.D.
Rockport, Texas USA
Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients - October 1995
Abstract:
To assess the post-treatment effects of cranial electrostimulation (CES) on basic psychophysiologic measures of stress response, 20 subjects were selected from a clinical treatment population of people seeking help for two common stress problems. 0.5 Hz CES was used for muscle tension with pain and essential hypertension made worse by stress. Because few CES studies utilize the common biofeedback measures of finger temperature, heart rate and trapezius electromyogram, these were selected to be studied before, after, and at one week follow-up from CES. Also measured as a dependent variable was capacitance to assess brain circuit paralleling. All dependent measures were found to change significantly when compared to a placebo group. The author strongy recommends CES researchers use more psychophysiologic measures of treatment effects and that some effort be made to understand neuronal path changes resulting from CES.
Comparative Effects of Microcurrent Stimulation
on EEG Spectrum and Correlation Dimension
MICHAEL S. HEFERNAN
Integrative Physiological and Behavioral Science,
July - September, 1996, Vol. 31, No. 3, 202-209.
Abstract:
Two mathematical derivatives of electroencephalogram (EEG), Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), and correlation dimension from chaos analysis were used to assess the objective effects of earlobe versus mid-trapezius microcurrent stimulation on brain EEG. These measures were considered to be clinically relevant since low points in the FFT have been associated with attention deficit disorder, and declining correlation dimension has been associated with onset of epilepsy. Thirty Subjects (30) were assigned randomly to one of three groups: earlobe, trapezius, and a double blind placebo control Earlobe stimulation (CES) was hypothesized to alter BEG since research suggests CES enters the brain directly, through a perineural or vascular path via the auditory meatus. Results showed that trapezius microcurrent therapy proved more effective in producing significant declines in FFT spectral smoothing, with an average standard deviation (SD) in the FFT of 1.1, as compared to the CES group showing an SD of 2.9. Correlation dimension in both trapezius and CES stimulation groups increased significantly (p<.OOl) as compared to placebo, with the correlation dimension measures for earlobe, trapezius, and placebo being 5.7, 5.6, and 3.7, respectively. The author discusses the significance of using body points for promoting clinically beneficial effects in brain electrophysiology as evidenced by improved FFT and correlation dimension.
BLOCK FEAR PERCEPTION IN PHOBIC PATIENTS
RAY B. SMITH AND FRANK N. SHIROMOTO
Current Therapeutic Research
VOL. 51, NO. 2, February 1992
Life Balance international, Draper, Utah and Private Practice Consultant,
Hunlington Beach, California
Abstract:
Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) Involves small pulses of electrical current (1.5 mA or lean) across the head. It Is a known treatment for depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Chance clinical observations suggested that CES might be effective In reducing fear perception in phobic patients. This study was designed to Investigate this possible effect. Thirty-one persons responded to public media announcements requesting subjects for a phobia treatment project. They were asked to imagine themselves in their worst phobic situation, then rate their fear on a scale from no fear to extreme fear. They were then given 30 minutes of CES, after which they were asked to frighten themselves again and to rate the fear as before. The patients were successful in generating a fear response, which, In turn, appeared to be mitigated by CES.
Low Intensity Transcranial
Electrostimulation Improves Human
Learning of a Psychomotor Task
Richard E. Madden, Ph.D., M.S.W.
and
Daniel L Kirsch, Ph.D.
American Journal of Electromedicine / Second-Third Quarter 1987
Abstract:
People from all walks of life have long sought to reach new heights of expanded consciousness, improved prowess and personal enhancement The search for means of improving personal performance using safe, convenient and non-invasive measures is receiving increasing attention with the advent of new electrostimulation devices such as the Alpha-stim 350 used in this study.
This study addresses the question, "can low intensity transcutaneous electrostimulation (TCES) applied through the ear lobes significantly improve human learning and performance of a psychomotor task such as typing?". A double-blind, placebo control design was used. Seventy-eight subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: (1) the experimental (STIM) group which received electrostimulation while performing a computer typing game; and (2) the control (NSTIM) group, which did not receive TCES, but otherwise received the same treatment as the STIM group.
Statistical comparisons (t-tests) showed both STIM and NSTIM groups to be initially equivalent with respect to age, education and pretreatment performance. The dependent measure was the performance gain score obtained for each subject by calculating the score differential between the first and second trials. Statistical analyses demonstrated a significantly larger performance gain score for the STIM group over the NSTIM group as well as a significantly larger ultimate mean performance score.
The authors also postulated several modes of action for TCES and presented possible applications of electrostimulation as a performance enhancer in the fields of health, education, business and industry.
Cranial Application of Low Level Transcranial
Electrotherapy vs. Relaxation Instructions in
Anxious Patients
by Thomas H. Gibson, Ph.D and
Donald E. O'Hair, Ph.D.
Abstract:
A comparative study was conducted using relaxation instructions vs. low level transcranial electrotherapy (Alpha-Slim) as short term treatments for anxiety. Sixty four subjects reporting feelings of generalized anxiety were randomly assigned to relaxation Instuctions, transcranial electrotherapy (TCET), both treatment given simultaneously, or no treatment groups. Subjects were monitored pre- to post-treatment with both subjective (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) and objective (electromyograph readings of frontalis muscle tension) measures of their anxiety. The results indicate that all three methods of treatment were significantly more effective than placebo in reducing state anxiety and EMG readings of muscle tension. Neither treatment was significantly more effective than the other and pairing the two treatments proved to offer no additive effect.
American Journal of Electromedicine / First Quarter 1987
Biofeedback and Electromedicine
Reduce the Cycle of Pain-Spasm-Pain
in Low-Back Patients
Stephen I. Zimmerman, R.P.T., Ph.D.
and
Fred N. Lerner, Ph.D.
Abstract:
This study investigated the relative efficacy of three treatment conditions/modalities, namely EMG biofeedback, Microcurrent stimulation and the combined effect of the two, implemented for the purpose of alleviateing and/or inhibiting chronic pain and associated muscle spasms, the two major components found within the "Vicous Cycle". Measures used to assess treatment outcome included Subjective Units of Disturbance (SUDS), trunk mobility evaluation, dialy pain record cards, microvoltage readings and pre- and post-treatment MMPI. Objective and subjective assessment and subsequent relative statistical analysis of findings demonstrated rehabilitative benefits in all treatment groups. The Biofeedback/Electrical Stimulation groups achieved, overall, greater therapeutic benefits than either modality used as a sole source of rehabilitation for the patient in the midst of the vicious cycle of pain and spasm.
American Journal of Electromedicine - June 1989 108-120
TRANSCRANIAL ELECTROTHERAPY
Low-intensity Transcranial Electrostimulation
Improves the Efficacy of Thermal Biofeedback and
Quieting Reflex Training in the Treatment of Classical
Migrane Headache
Philip Brotman, Ph.D.
Abstract:
Thermal biofeedback and Quieting Reflex training have been shown in many studies to provide effective treatment for classical migraine headache. This study, using the Alpha-Stim 2000 electrostimulation device, shows that the addition of low intenaity cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) to thermal biofeedback (TB) and Quieting Reflex training (QR) resulted in faster relief from headache symptoms.
A double-blind group study was employed; 36 female subjects with classical migraine were assigned to groups randomized on the basis of age and severity of headache symptoms.
Statistical comparisons (t-tests) showed that the group treated with combined CES, TB and QR resulted in faster decreases in headache symptoms, particularly during a 3-month follow-up period.
Those groups in this study who did not receive the CES treatment were subsequently treated with the CES. They, in turn, achieved headache reductions comparable to those obtained by the combined CES, TB, and QR group in this study.
The author hypothesizes that CES benefits migraine sufferes through its affect on the hypothalamus, which is thought to regulate and normalize blood flow. The mechanism by which CES affects the hypothalamus is not currently know.
American Journal of Electromedicine - September 1989 120-123
CES & MCT
The effects of Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation
and Multisensory Cognitive Therapy on the personality
and anxiety levels of substance abuse patients.
STEPHEN J. OVERCASH, Ph.D. and ALAN SIEBENTHALL, Ed.D.
American Journal of Electromedicine - April 1989
Abstract:
Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES), biofeedback relaxation therapy, and multisensory cognitive therapy (MCT) were used to help patients withdraw from marijuana abuse by helping them learn to relax and change their attitudes and values. A sample of 32 patients was selected from referrals provided by family physicians for treatment of marijuana abuse. They were randomly assigned to two treatment groups. Psychological testing using the 16PF Personality Test was given initially and at the end of their series of ten treatment sessions. All the patients were given a psychophysiological stress profile during each session. The control group (CG) was given biofeedback EMG training, Quieting Response relaxation tapes, and psychotherapy. The experimental group (ExG) was given essentially the same treatment, with the addition of multisensory emotional therapy using the Relax and Learn system and CES using the Alpha-Stim 2000 during the last 20 minutes of their treatment sessions.
Although the nervous tension level was reduced significantly in both groups, the results of the study show significant differences between the two groups in five different areas. An ANOVA performed on the results of the patients' EMG indicated that the ExG was more significantly able to reduce their frontalis EMG than the CG (F = 5.32, p < .01). In addition, the ExG was able to reach the same level of relaxation after 8 sessions that it took the CG to reach in 10 sessions. There were four significant differences in the subtests of the 16PF Personality Test. In the self sufficiency subtest, the ExG was significantly more planful than the CG. While the ExG became significantly more assertive in the dominance subtest area, there was no significant difference in the CG. Another subtest showing a significant difference between the groups was ego strength. The ExG appeared to become more decisive in handling their interactions with others, whereas, there was no significant difference in the CG. Finally, the patients were given weekly blood tests to determine any use of marijuana. Both groups were able to reduce their use of marijuana during the 10 week trials, but the ExG reduced their use more quickly and sustained for a longer period of time. This may have occurred because the CES may have allowed the patients to become more relaxed and more open to the affirmations used with the multisensory emotional therapy. The actual affirmations used statements in regard to the patient becoming more assertive, making better decisions, and being more self sufficient. The results of the study indicate that the combination of CES and affirmative repetition during multisensory emotional therapy appear to be both a useful and cost-effective tool in assisting patients to withdraw from marijuana.
The Effects of Variable Microcurrents
on EEG Spectrum and Pain Control
Dr. Michael Heffernan
Abstract:
The author proposes a model of spectral smoothing using electroencephalogram (EEG) as a measure of regeneration and pain reduction. Two minute spectral averages of root mean square (RMS) EEG amplitude versus frequency were compared between two groups: 1) an age, sex matched group of normal pain free persons, and 2) a group of pain patients with degenerative joint disease (DJD). Pain free subjects produced smooth declining spectral curves, whereas the pain group showed many irregularities, and significant "unevenness" in EEG spectral arrays. On the basis of these findings and prior research (Heffernan, 1995, 1996, and l996b), the author proposes using spectral smoothness as a model to evaluate the effectiveness of differing microcurrent stimulators in safely treating pain patients.
To test three types of stimulators, thirty pain patients, 30-65 years, suffering from DJD were given a five minute test dose of stimulation from three differing stimulators, a 15Hz, 500Hz, and 15,000 Hz device (Liss Stimulator), a 0.5 Hz, random, biphasic device (Alpha-Stim), and a continuous 0.5 Hz device for control. Using current limited, 500 microampere stimulation to the wrist, post stimulation spectral smoothing and pain control was found to be superior with the random 0.5 Hz, biphasic device. The regular 0.5Hz device and the multiple frequency device both produced considerable distortion from the EEG spectrum of normal, pain free subjects. Ordinal pain scales before and after stimulation showed that only the random 0.5 Hz device produced significant pain control with a five minute test dose (4.2 to 2,3).
The author discusses these findings by proposing a theory of rapid pain control from regenerative restoration of normal cellular electrical fields. This theory of rapid pain reduction is then contrasted with pain control by stress induction and increased production of endorphins. Finally the author discusses implications of using the spectral smoothing of both EEG and body fields as a model of reversing the negative, carcinogenic effects of externally applied extremely low frequency (ELF) when used therapeutically of delivered inadvertantly from human electrical power usage.
Canadian Journal of Clinical Medicine - November 1997
Alpha-Stim Research Review
Electrical treatment of sever head and neck cancer pain.
Bauer, W. MD
Archives of Otolaryngology, 109(6):382-383, 1983.
This is an early report of Alpha-Stim results on severe intractable cancer pain that failed to achieve relief with "heavy medication" and surgery conducted by the Division of Otolaryngology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The author states that the 3 cases anecdotally presented are representative of similar cases treated by Alpha-Stim. without exceptbn, in every case there was a positive effect in decreasing pain. Objectively, these patients could be followed up by the amount of pain medication they required.
In case 1, a 58 year old man had squamous cell carcinoma of the laryngeopharynx staged at T4N2M0, full course radiation therapy and radical neck dissection. After failing to achieve pain relief with 7 mg of morphine sulfate every 4 hours along with various sedatives, he achieved complete relief without medication at all for one week following 3 daily, 10 minute Alpha-Stim treatments of 500 microamps at 0.5 Hz, and then was maintained pain free with Alpha-Stim treatments every 3 days for 1 minute. Case 2, a 54 year old man who also had a neck dissection and radiation for a T3NOMO lesion of the larynx, and a primary squamous cell tumor of the left lung, required a combination of codeine, zomepirac sodium (Zomax), and amitriptyline hydrochloride (Elavil), which provided little relief. After 6 minutes of Alpha-Stim treatment he had complete relief of pain for 50 hours, after which further treatment caused the pain to disappear again. Case 3 was a 59 year old man who had a T4N1MO squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue and supraglottis. Codeine and meperidine failed to completely control his severe pain radiating to both ears. The pain was completely relieved for 8 hours after 12 minutes of Alpha-Stim treatment. The second treatment lasted 24 hours.
The author noted that the longevity of the results was especially encouraging. In every case pain relief lasted at least 8 hours, and in case 2, the effect lasted more than 3 weeks. There was no indication of side effects, and usually there was no sensation of the electrical stimulus. The positive results are unquestionable, and this form of electrical stimulation should not be confused with [other forms of] TENS.
Note: This is often reprinted by Alpha-Stim competitors to sell ather "microcurrent" devices, but Dr. Bauer reported on his findings with Alpha-Slim technology only.
If you arrived here first, visit our HOME page for more information.