Can-SCIP Coach App
  1. Can-SCIP
  2. Recommendations
  3. Guidelines
  4. Section 2 - MANAGEMENT OF SCI COMPLICATIONS

P - NEUROPATHIC PAIN




Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may be considered for reducing neuropathic pain intensity among individuals with SCI. (CANPAIN TREAT, p.S16; Level A)

Clinical considerations:

tDCS is recommended as third-line therapy for patients with SCI-related neuropathic pain on the basis of four RCTs focused on neuropathic pain in patients with SCI. Minor side effects of tDCS include skin irritation, which can be minimized by preparing electrodes with saline and the skin with electrode cream and by increasing current gradually, and phosphene, the visual perception of a brief flash of light, which is not actually present, if an electrode is placed near the eye.

Combined visual illusion and transcranial direct current stimulation may be considered for reducing neuropathic pain intensity among individuals with SCI. (CANPAIN TREAT, p.S17; Level A)

Clinical considerations:

The combination of visual illusion and tDCS is recommended as third-line therapy. The main side effects of this combined therapy included mild headache and fatigue.