O u t p a t i e n t E l e c t r i c S t i m u l a t i o n
In addition to Magnetic (rTMS), there are other brain stimulation options:
1 tACS (including CES) = transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation
(or Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation)
2 tDCS = transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
3 tTNS = transcutaneous Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation
4 tVNS = Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation
6 TENS = Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation
These completely different from "shock" therapy (ECT). and there are 3 differences (advantages) vs ECT:
1) ECT uses 450 volts at 1 amp current, these use about .002 amps (2 milliamps) (500 times less current)
2) no anesthesia is needed, patients are awake and drive to and from appointments
3) These may Improve Memory (ECT can impair memory)