Transcranial electrical stimulation is a non-invasive (not associated with penetration through the natural external barriers of the body) and non-drug physiotherapeutic method, in which extremely weak currents of special characteristics are applied through electrodes placed on the patient’s head. This effect selectively activates the brain’s defense mechanisms and causes increased release of endorphins and serotonin. Transcranial electrical stimulation is free from side effects and has a limited range of contraindications because the method is based on the natural activation of the body’s protective mechanisms, which have a broad spectrum of homeostatic effects, capable of maintaining the stability of the body’s internal environment. Therefore, the action of tES is fully manifested in cases of disruptions in the regulation of functions of systems and organs, without altering the normal ongoing processes
The use of tES for treatment originated from the results of fundamental scientific research (conducted in the USA, UK), which demonstrated that direct electrical stimulation targeted at specific brain structures induces pain relief through the release of endorphins. It was found that this effect of endorphin secretion has a wide range of actions and acts as a homeostatic regulator, normalizing many disrupted functions.
Research in this field continued in many countries, including the USSR since 1981 (and currently in Russia) at the I.P. Pavlov Institute of Physiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences under the guidance of Academician V.P. Lebedev, where to date, more than 30 doctoral and 120 candidate dissertations have been defended on this topic. Devices for transcranial stimulation have been developed, tested, registered as medical devices, and methodological recommendations for their use have been issued and approved.
Before starting the procedures, we conduct a patient survey to identify any contraindications. In cases of uncertainty regarding the presence of the listed conditions or implants, we advise patients to consult their treating physician.
To gain an understanding of the patient’s overall condition, we conduct a general health survey and request patients to provide some tests – TSH, free T4, free T3, glucose, insulin, and lipid profile.
It’s important to note that our goal is to regulate homeostasis and normalize disrupted functions. Therefore, there is no intention to completely suppress the patient’s appetite. Instead, appetite is reduced, allowing the patient to control the amount of food they consume.
Cooperation from the patient is undoubtedly crucial. We provide a brief briefing for the patient on food products and eating behaviors, offering information to help patients consciously understand and adjust their diet in terms of calories and food selections. Since the craving for food diminishes, following recommendations isn’t difficult, but it requires a responsible approach and discipline, which are key to success.
To monitor weight and diet, we ask patients to weigh themselves every morning before breakfast and keep a food diary. These data (weight and consumed food) should be entered into a mobile app daily. This is necessary to identify the problem if there seems to be poor progress in weight loss. Eventually, when the patient consistently loses weight, the need for keeping a food diary diminishes, as the person becomes able to roughly determine the amount of food they should eat to lose weight or maintain a stable weight.
A standard course consists of 9-12 procedures, each lasting 30 minutes. Procedures can be repeated periodically depending on the patient’s needs. It’s worth noting that every person’s body is unique. While some individuals may enter a stable weight loss trend after 8-9 sessions of transcranial stimulation, others may require more procedures. Additionally, there may be a need to repeat 1-3 procedures periodically if a strong appetite starts to return.
The first 3-5 procedures are recommended to be conducted daily, followed by 3 sessions per week.
The duration of the first visit is 1 – 1.5 hours, involving discussions on completed questionnaires, health status, dietary habits, possible referrals for tests, setting up the mobile app, and other necessary actions to prepare the patient.
The second visit also lasts more than 1 hour, involving discussions on general health status, dietary recommendations with explanations, and the first procedure.
All subsequent visits consist of a 30-minute procedure plus preparation time, not exceeding 10 minutes. There may also be discussions about weight dynamics, diet, etc.
After the procedures, it is recommended to rest for about 10 minutes before driving.
Typically, if there are no additional medical indications, our recommended weight loss rate is 3-4 kg per month. Extremely rapid weight loss may have negative consequences for the body.
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