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Understanding Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperexcitation (PSH)

Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperexcitation (PSH) is a condition that occurs after severe brain injuries, leading to sudden increases in sympathetic nervous system activity. This study explores how effective a treatment combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and medication can be for PSH patients.

Study Overview

In this study, 40 patients with PSH were randomly divided into two groups: one received active tDCS treatment, while the other received a sham (inactive) tDCS treatment. Both groups also continued their medication and standard therapies over an 8-week period. The tDCS targeted specific areas of the brain to enhance treatment effectiveness.

Results of the Study

The results showed that patients receiving active tDCS had significant improvements in their PSH symptoms compared to those who received sham treatment. Key findings included:

Greater improvements in the Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity Assessment Measure (PSH-AM).
Better scores on the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R).
Reduced medication dosages for those in the active tDCS group.
Enhanced brain activity in the less affected frontal lobe, indicating improved cortical excitability.

Implications for Treatment

This study suggests that combining tDCS with medication can be more effective than medication alone for treating PSH. The findings indicate that this approach not only improves clinical outcomes but also enhances brain function.