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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Prader-Willi Syndrome.
Caroline C Azevedo1, Alisson Paulino Trevizol, July S Gomes1
1From the Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Neroscience, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
The Journal of ECT
|October 3, 2020
Summary
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) improved hyperphagia, food craving, and behavioral symptoms in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). This safe brain stimulation offers a promising, low-cost therapeutic option for PWS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) presents limited therapeutic avenues.
- Hyperphagia, food craving, and aberrant behaviors are key challenges in PWS management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a treatment for PWS symptoms.
- To evaluate tDCS effects on hyperphagia, food craving, and behavioral issues in individuals with PWS.
Main Methods:
- An open-label clinical trial involving twelve subjects with PWS (aged 11-35).
- Administered 10 daily 20-minute tDCS sessions over two weeks.
- Targeted left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex stimulation with anode and cathode placement.
Main Results:
- Significant amelioration of hyperphagic and food craving symptoms (P < 0.05).
- Observed significant improvements in behavioral symptoms, as measured by the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- This proof-of-concept trial demonstrates tDCS's positive impact on PWS symptoms.
- tDCS offers a safe, low-cost, and effective brain stimulation approach for PWS.
- Increased left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex excitability may alleviate core PWS challenges.
