TDCS for Depression - Better than sham

Efficacy and acceptability of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for major depressive disorder: An individual patient data meta-analysis

Article Abstract

More literature HERE

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/myncbi/103bGJGeIgzQv/collections/59242511/public/

Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES) using TDCS for ADHD and Autism

We are excited to introduce a new complementary treatment option available at our clinic, Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES).

 TES using direct current stimulation (TDCS) has shown promising results for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Transcranial Electrical Stimulation is a non-invasive procedure that involves the application of a low-intensity electrical current to the scalp. This current is thought to influence brain activity and has been studied for its potential benefits in various neurological and psychiatric conditions.

For individuals with ASD, tES has been explored as a way to enhance cognitive abilities and address core pathologies of autism. Studies have suggested that tES could improve mini-columnar morphology and gamma oscillations in the brain, which are areas that can be atypical in individuals with ASD 1.

In the case of ADHD, tES, particularly transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, has been investigated for its ability to improve cognitive control and impulse regulation. This could lead to significant improvements in cognition and impulse control for those with ADHD 2.

It’s important to note that while tES has very few potential side effects, it is an emerging therapeutic tool. It is still considered complementary for ASD and ADHD, meaning it is not meant to replace standard treatments. 

Does tES hurt? In studies, subjects rated the discomfort as between watching TV and going to the dentist.

Our clinic is committed to providing the latest and most effective treatments, and the data indicates that tES offers a new avenue for improving the quality of life for our patients with ASD and ADHD.

If you or a loved one are interested in exploring this treatment option, we invite you to schedule a consultation. 

Who is not a candidate? 

• Consider if they can sit still and tolerate mild discomfort for 30 minutes? If not, this treatment may not be the right fit. 
• Skull defects and transcranial metal surgical implants may preclude this treatment. 

During this consultation, we will discuss the potential benefits, the procedure, and any questions you may have.

Your health and well-being are our top priority, and we are here to support you.

To learn more check our website link here. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us for more information or to arrange an appointment.

Ask about other uses:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Stroke
• Multiple sclerosis
• Movement disorders
• Memory difficulties
• Headaches
• Major depressive disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Craving in substance use disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Mild cognitive impairment

New Home Sleep Apnea test for Children and Adults

 What is the SleepImage Ring (SIR) ? 

The SIR is a simple, comfortable device that adult and pediatric patients can wear on their finger overnight. It has been cleared by the FDA for the diagnosis and management of sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA).

Here are some of the key benefits of this testing :

Ease of Use: The ring is designed to be worn on any finger, ensuring a snug fit without discomfort. This user-friendly approach allows for a more natural sleep study experience 1.

Comprehensive Data Collection: During sleep, the ring streams raw physiological data to a mobile app, which then uploads the data for analysis. This process provides extensive data that is interpreted by our specialists 1.

FDA-Cleared for Children and Adults: The SleepImage system is suitable for use in children over the age of 2 and adults 1.

In-Home Convenience: Patients to conduct sleep studies in their natural sleeping environment,  reducing the likelihood of an overnight stay in a sleep clinic. By reducing the stress associated with traditional sleep studies, more patients can be screened 2.

Tracking Treatment Progress: The SIR helps in monitoring the effectiveness of treatments 3.

Cost-Effective: With the SIR, we offer patients a cost-effective alternative to traditional polysomnography4.

Why are the kids waiting for sleep studies and EEG? Why are they paying so much?

Subject: Why are the kids waiting for sleep studies and EEG? Why are they paying so much?

Dear Referring Physicians and Health Care Professionals, 

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to (re)-introduce you to Academy Diagnostics’ sleep & EEG diagnostics services. Our commitment to excellence and to personal care sets us apart. We are proud to carry the gold-standard AASM (American Academy of Sleep Medicine) accreditation for over 10 years. 

Our Services: 

1. Pediatric Sleep Studies and Adult Sleep Studies: Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped to perform comprehensive sleep studies for children of all ages. From infants to adolescents, we tailor our assessments to meet the unique needs of pediatric patients. 

2. EEG Testing: We offer advanced EEG monitoring services, aiding in the diagnosis and management of various neurological conditions. 

Why Choose Academy Diagnostics? 

• Expertise: Our team of board-certified pediatric sleep specialists and neurologists has extensive experience. 

• Child-Friendly Environment: We understand the importance of creating a comfortable and reassuring atmosphere for young patients. 

• Timely Reporting: Prompt turnaround time for test results ensures timely intervention and treatment planning. 

• 360 Sleep Medicine Care: A sleep center is more than a testing facility, it includes access to board certified sleep medicine specialists to support a comprehensive care plan. 

Openings for Studies: We currently have openings for studies in the next 1-2 months. If you have patients who may benefit from a prompt study, you may refer them today. 

To schedule a direct sleep study or EEG, please contact Academy at 832-210-2405 or visit the Academy website at https://www.academysleepcenter.com 

Thank you for entrusting your patients’ care to Academy Diagnostics. We look forward to improving the health and well-being of our young patients. 

Sincerely, 

Josh Rotenberg MD, Pediatric Neurology & Epilepsy 

Sarat Susarla MD, Pediatric Pulmonology 

www.houstonspecialtyclinic.com

Transcranial direct current stimulation for post-COVID fatigue: a randomized, double-blind, controlled pilot study

We are offering this treatment as a complementary treatment. JR

Transcranial direct current stimulation for post-COVID fatigue: a randomized, double-blind, controlled pilot study

Fatigue is one of the most frequent and disabling symptoms of the post-COVID syndrome. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on fatigue severity in a group of patients with post-COVID syndrome and chronic fatigue. We conducted a double-blind, parallel-group, sham-controlled study to evaluate the short-term effects of  transcranial direct current stimulation

. The modified fatigue impact scale score was used as the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included cognition (Stroop test), depressive symptoms (Beck depression inventory) and quality of life (EuroQol-5D). Patients received eight sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation and were evaluated at baseline, immediately after the last session, and one month later. Forty-seven patients were enrolled (23 in the active treatment group and 24 in the sham treatment group); the mean age was 45.66 ± 9.49 years, and 37 (78.72%) were women. The mean progression time since the acute infection was 20.68 ± 6.34 months. Active transcranial direct current stimulation was associated with a statistically significant improvement in physical fatigue at the end of treatment and 1 month as compared with sham stimulation. 

No significant effect was detected for cognitive fatigue. In terms of secondary outcomes, active transcranial direct current stimulation was associated with an improvement in depressive symptoms at the end of treatment. 

The treatment had no effects on the quality of life. 

All the adverse events reported were mild and transient, with no differences between the active stimulation and sham stimulation groups. 

In conclusion, our results suggest that transcranial direct current stimulation on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may improve physical fatigue. 

Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and optimize stimulation protocols.

41

https://academic.oup.com/braincomms/article/5/2/fcad117/71117

Houston Practice Seeks Outpatient Only

Houston Practice Seeks Outpatient Only

Sleep / Pediatric Neurology NP or PA 

- Make a Difference Every Day!-

JOB DESCRIPTION

Houston Specialty Clinic - Neurology & Sleep Specialists, a regional leader in specialty care has experienced great demand. We offer academic quality care and personal attention. We take care of people experiencing illness or seeking answers to specialty-level concerns.

Our practice seeks a PT or FT extender to offer enhanced access to advanced specialty care in sleep disorders and neurologic illness in children. 

Job Summary: Under general direction, provides care in collaboration with the neurologist in the evaluation and treatment of pediatric neurologic illness and sleep disorders; serves as a resource person for staff; provides direct clinical service to patients and families including psychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, counseling, complex care management, and patient education.

CHARACTERISTIC JOB TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

While focusing on outpatient care, duties may include any and/or all of the following:

1. Participates in delivering direct patient care; provides instructions and teaching to patients and families; assists in outpatient clinics with examinations and assessments; follows up on lab, test, and procedure results and prescriptions; informs patients of medication changes; informs physicians of patients' questions; evaluates patients' qualifications for clinical research studies; provides initial contact with patient's primary physician; establishes referral database; communicates with referring physicians for follow-up care and referrals.
2. Collaborates with health care team members in planning, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive patient care; provides direct clinical service to patients and families inclduing biopsychosocial assessment,  behavior modification, care management, and patient education; researches improvements in patient management, including coordination between services and conservation of resources; facilitates and participates in meetings and projects.
3. Collaborates with established primary care providers as a specialty consulting service
4. Serves as a resource person and a nurse consultant for staff; develops an annual plan for professional development; attends conferences; maintains and improves current knowledge and competency as a PA or N.P.
5. Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Knowledge and experience in Clinical Practice Nursing or as a Physician Assistant
• Verbal/written communication skills
• Interpersonal/human relations skills
• Patient assessment skills
• Public speaking skills
• Research skills
• Ability to respond to questions in a tactful and professional manner
• Ability to instruct/teach/tutor
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
  
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and experience equivalent to:

Master's degree in nursing and certification in a specialty area of a Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Practitioner; supplemented with two (2) years of related experience. Texas RN License and certification as an Advanced Practice Nurse required.

OR 

TX PA licensure supplemented with two (2) years of related experience

Physical Requirements – Typical for an outpatient clinic. 

May require some driving to satellite clinics. 

Duties include telemedicine visits.

Must be comfortable with children and adults with neurologic and developmental disorders

Competitive Salary & Productivity Bonus Commensurate with Experience

We welcome applicants for Part-Time and Full Time Work

HSC offers eligible employees a broad package of benefits such as health care, dental plan, vision plan, 401K.

Contact Dr. Joshua Rotenberg
clinicrotenberg@houstonspecialtyclinic.com

713-464-4107

Fax 713-465-4522