The Treatment of Cervicogenic Headache with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Exercise Therapy: A...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Physical Therapy
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Cervicogenic headache (CGH) often involves impaired cervical motor control.
• Exercise therapy (ET) is a common treatment, but its efficacy can be enhanced.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of active transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) plus ET versus sham tDCS plus ET on functional outcomes in CGH patients.
• To evaluate cervical motor control, strength, and endurance.

Main Methods:

• A pilot, sham-controlled, blinded, randomized trial involving 32 CGH participants.
• Participants received daily ET for 6 weeks, with 3 weekly tDCS sessions (active or sham).
• Functional outcomes, including craniocervical flexion, strength, endurance, and range of motion, were assessed pre-treatment and at 6 and 12 weeks post-treatment.

Main Results:

• The active tDCS + ET group showed significant improvements in craniocervical flexion activation scores compared to the sham group.
• These improvements were observed from post-treatment up to 12 weeks post-treatment.
• Significant group-time interactions favored the active tDCS + ET group for motor control outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Active tDCS combined with ET significantly enhances deep cervical flexor motor control in CGH patients.
• The observed improvements in functional outcomes are sustained for at least 12 weeks post-intervention.
• tDCS + ET presents a promising therapeutic approach for improving functional outcomes in cervicogenic headache.