Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation for Major Depressive Disorder: An Updated Systematic Review
Journal Title: Archives of Neuroscience - Year 2017, Vol 4, Issue 1
Abstract
Context Trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) is a promising non-invasive brain stimulation intervention. The TNS has been proposed for major depressive disorder (MDD) with auspicious results. The aim of this study was to review the literature on TNS for MDD. Evidence Acquisition Systematic review, using MEDLINE and EMBASE, of first articles available until 22nd of April 2016. Results We included seven studies; six of them were open-label studies and one sham-controlled randomized double-blinded trial. Most studies had small sample sizes. Two studies were on MDD with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder and one study focused on the elderly population. Two different protocols of stimulation were reported. Studies had interesting positive results for treating MDD. Conclusions The TNS was reported to be well tolerated, with no severe adverse effect reported, and had impressive results for MDD. This promising, safe and easy-to-use new neuromodulation technique could be a useful tool for MDD treatment. However, the results reported in the studies performed so far must be analyzed under the strict limitations of the study design. Most of the studies on TNS are case studies or open-label trials with very small sample sizes. We acknowledge that it is the time to initiate more rigorous sham-controlled trials to better understand the huge potential involved with this technique, which could lead to the development of more accessible, easy-to-use, safe and non-invasive technology.
Authors and Affiliations
Alisson Paulino Trevizol, Quirino Cordeiro
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP235685
- DOI 10.5812/archneurosci.39263
- Views 108
- Downloads 0
Neuropathic Pain: A Review of Interneuronal Disinhibition
Context: Dysfunction of pain circuitry may alter normal pain perception, leading to neuropathic pain. The underlying mechanisms are still unclear, although several animal models of partial nerve injury have been develope...
A Review of Protective Effects of Exercise on Cognitive Impairments Induced by Sleep Deprivation in Female Rats
Sleep is an important factor in memory consolidation and brain health. In addition, sleep disorder is a common complaint among females in comparison with males. In menopausal fema...
Event-Related Potential Investigation of the Mechanisms of Memory Encoding in Schizophrenia
null
Preparation of Human Inner Ear Structures for High Resolution Imaging Studies
Background Introduction of the novel imaging modalities such as optical coherence tomography and scanning laser optical tomography allow the morphological and functional evaluatio...
Benefits and Harms of Beta Blockers in the Perioperative Period of Non-Cardiac Surgery: A Narrative Review
Several trials have evaluated the role of treatment with beta-blockers in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. Debates are when and which agent and dosage to initiate and when and how to continue or discontinue. In a...