Transcranial direct current stimulation as a strategy to manage COVID-19 pain and fatigue.
Edson Meneses da Silva FilhoStephanney K M S F de MouraJennifer Ariely Sales SuassunaMaria do Socorro Brasileiro-SantosJéssica Andrade de AlbuquerquePublished in: Revista da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992) (2021)
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has infected millions of people worldwide and generated many sequels in the survivors, such as muscular pain and fatigue. These symptoms have been treated through pharmacological approaches; however, infected people keep presenting physical limitations. Besides, the COVID-19 damage to the central nervous system has also been related to the presence of some physical impairment, so strategies that focus on diverse brain areas should be encouraged. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-pharmacological tool that could be associated with pharmacological treatments to improve the central nervous system function and decrease the exacerbation of the immune system response. tDCS targeting pain and fatigue-related areas could provide an increase in neuroplasticity and enhancements in physical functions. Moreover, it can be used in infirmaries and clinical centers to treat COVID-19 patients.
Keyphrases
- transcranial direct current stimulation
- coronavirus disease
- sars cov
- chronic pain
- working memory
- sleep quality
- pain management
- physical activity
- neuropathic pain
- mental health
- respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- oxidative stress
- young adults
- cerebrospinal fluid
- multiple sclerosis
- cancer therapy
- blood brain barrier
- depressive symptoms
- white matter
- drug delivery