New York City-based NYU Langone Health is launching an at-home virtual brain stimulation tool for patients to treat a range of cognitive, motor, speech or mood symptoms that occur from neurological or psychiatric conditions.
A May 26 news release said many patients who suffer from neurological and psychiatric disorders may find difficulty leaving the house. This tool brings treatment into these patients' homes.
Three details:
- The tool creates transcranial direct current stimulation, which is a type of noninvasive brain stimulation. Patients wear an electrode headset that applies low-grade electric currents on the scalp, which makes it easier for neurons to fire.
- The tool has been studied to treat symptoms of multiple sclerosis, movement disorders, strokes, depression and fatigue. There are early indications the tool can be used to help recovery after a COVID-19 infection, the news release said.
- It is currently available to patients in almost every state. Patients enrolled in the tDCS program connect with video visits using the NYU Langone Health app. The program is not covered by insurance, but treatment packages bring the cost to about $30 each session, including the equipment rental.