Feasibility of Using Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation for Pain in Persons with Parkinson's Disease

Abstract EN

Objectives.

To assess the feasibility of treating musculoskeletal pain in the lower back and/or lower extremities in persons with Parkinson's disease (PD) with cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES).

Design.

Randomized, controlled, double-blind trial.

Setting.

Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Community.

Participants.

Nineteen persons with PD and pain in the lower back and/or lower extremities.

Thirteen provided daily pain rating data.

Intervention.

Of the thirteen participants who provided daily pain data, 6 were randomly provided with active CES devices and 7 with sham devices to use at home 40 minutes per day for six weeks.

They recorded their pain ratings on a 0-to-10 scale immediately before and after each session.

Main Outcome Measure.

Average daily change in pain intensity.

Results.

Persons receiving active CES had, on average, a 1.14-point decrease in pain compared with a 0.23-point decrease for those receiving sham CES (Wilcoxon Z=−2.20, P=.028).

Conclusion.

Use of CES at home by persons with PD is feasible and may be somewhat helpful in decreasing pain.

A larger study is needed to determine the characteristics of persons who may experience meaningful pain reduction with CES.

Guidelines for future studies are provided.