Columns The MS Wire - A Column by Ed Tobias Stimulating Neurons to Help with Problem-Solving Stimulating Neurons to Help with Problem-Solving by Ed Tobias | February 24, 2017 Share this article: Share article via email Copy article link One of the most troubling symptoms of multiple sclerosis, especially for those of us who are still working, is “brain fog” ā not being able to concentrate ā¦ not feeling “sharp” when working on a task or solving problems. So I was interested to read about a new study that reports that patients withĀ MS had better problem-solving ability and response time after training with a technology called transcranial direct current stimulation, or tDCS.Ā During tDCS, a patient wears a headset through which a low amplitude direct current is applied to the scalp. The stimulation makes it easier for neurons in the brain to fire. The result, say the researchers, is an improvement in the learning that takes place when patients use cognitive training games during rehabilitation. And, importantly, this technology doesn’t have to be applied in a clinic; it can be used by a patient at home. “Our research adds evidence that tDCS, while done remotely under a supervised treatment protocol, may provide an exciting new treatment option for patients with multiple sclerosis who cannot get relief for some of their cognitive symptoms,” lead researcher Leigh E. Charvet, PhD, associate professor of neurology and director of research at NYU Langone’s Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center, says in a release on this research. “Many MS medications are aimed at preventing disease flares but those drugs do not help with daily symptom management, especially cognitive problems. We hope tDCS will fill this crucial gap and help improve quality of life for people with MS.”Ā In this study, published in theĀ Feb. 22 issue of Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface,Ā the tDCS was targeted at the brain’s dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex. That’s an area linked to fatigue, depression and cognitive function. Twenty-five participants were provided with a tDCS headset that they learned to apply with guided help from the research team. In each session, a study technician would contact each participant through online video conferencing, giving him or her a code to enter into a keypad to start the tDCS session. That allowed the tech to control the dosing. Then, during the stimulation, the participant played a research version of computerized cognitive training games that challenged areas of information processing, attention and memory systems. Researchers found participants in the group treated with tDCS showed significantly greater improvements on sensitive, computer-based measures of complex attention and increases in their response times compared to the group that did cognitive training games alone. The NYU team is currentlyĀ recruiting for additional clinical trials involving 20 tDCS sessions and a randomized sham-controlled protocol, to gatherĀ additional evidence of benefits of tDCS. If you are interested in participating in one of the studies, call 646-501-7511 or emailĀ [email protected]. Caution: There are tDCS-type products that are being sold directly to patients, without being supported by researchers or information about how to use them. The researchers suggest you stay away from these. If you’re considering tDCS, they say, first speak with your doctor. Note:Ā Multiple Sclerosis News TodayĀ is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those ofĀ Multiple Sclerosis News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis. Print This Page About the Author Ed Tobias People say to write what you know and Ed Tobias knows about MS. He's lived with the illness since 1980, when he was 32 years old. Ed's a retired, award-winning broadcast journalist and his column combines his four decades of MS experiences with news and comments about the latest in the MS community. In addition to writing his column, Ed is one of the patient moderators on the MS News Today Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram sites. Heās also the author of āThe Multiple Sclerosis Toolbox: Hints and Tips for Living with M.S.ā Ed and his wife split their time between the Washington, D.C. suburbs and Floridaās Gulf Coast, trying to follow the sun. Comments Leave a comment Fill in the required fields to post. Your email address will not be published. Your Name Your Email Your Comment Post Comment
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