Cranial electrotherapy stimulation
The cranial electrical stimulation ( english cranial electrostimulation, CES) - Older names are TCET (trans cranial electrotherapy ) and NET ( neuro- electric therapy ) - referred to in the medical field an electro -medical treatment method, in which two electrodes on the scalp or on the ear cups low alternating electric current is supplied. The current intensities lie below one milliampere, and are not felt by the patient. The voltages used are from a few volts and the frequency range is usually between 0.5 and 100 Hertz.
The first experiments in this field were carried out by the French Leduc and Rouxeau in 1902. However, the actual CES emerged only in the fifties in Russia, and at the beginning of the sixties in the U.S. and is the development of ECT ( electroconvulsive therapy ), which was previously in the thirties of the 20th century. At that time she was tentatively used for sleep induction ( Electro Sleep - tests).
Currently, the CES- therapy is used in the following diseases:
- For smoking cessation
- Alcoholism - Alcohol Withdrawal
- Opiate withdrawal
- Depression
- Chronic pain conditions
- Sleep
- Chronic anxiety
The CES is used in scientific medicine, however, is not without controversy due to the disparity study location. In general, the poor design of many studies is criticized on the subject. In several placebo-controlled studies, no effect could be shown, as in smoking cessation. Promising the effect of chronic pain seems to be.
Possible mechanisms of action
Discussed is an effect of electric currents on the ascending reticular activating system, the limbic system and the hypothalamus. Several studies influence of the electroencephalogram (EEG) has been demonstrated. Neurotransmitter concentrations seem to be influenced by the CES. After 20 minutes of CES treatment values were measured for beta -endorphin in plasma by 98%, in the cerebrospinal fluid by 219 % and for serotonin in the cerebrospinal fluid increased by 200%.