Transcranial micropolarization of the brain

Transcranial micropolarization of the brain (TCMP) is a type of therapy based on continuous impact on some structures of the brain by means of electric current of low strength. TCMP was developed by scientists from the Institute of Experimental Medicine in Leningrad. At the moment, this procedure is carried out in some medical institutions of different countries for therapeutic impact on patients of any age.

There are such procedures as transcranial and transvertebral micropolarization of the brain (TCMP and VTMP). VTMP is performed relative to the spinal cord, while TCMP involves the brain.

Indications for the procedure

This method of therapy can be used for patients with pathologies of the nervous system, such as:

• hyperactivity;
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD);
• tics and neurosis-like pathologies;
• psychosomatic diseases;
• speech pathologies in pediatric patients;
• traumatic brain injuries, their complications
• epilepsy (therapy is not carried out in all centers, since there is controversy about the appropriateness of such therapy for epilepsy);
• cerebral palsy (CP);
• psycho-emotional diseases;
• delayed psychoneurological development in children;
• organic lesions of the central nervous system;
• depression, fears;
• enuresis;
• aggression;
• encopresis;
• diseases of the optic nerve;
• neuroinfections;
• sensorineural hearing loss;
• asthenic syndrome;
• headaches;
• age-related brain transformations.

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Preparation

Transcranial micropolarization for a child is no different from a similar procedure for an adult.

Before the procedure, you should undergo an examination by the appropriate specialist, who will issue a referral. This may be a speech therapist, psychotherapist or psychiatrist, neurologist or physiotherapist.

First, an EEG (electroencephalography) should be performed to assess the functioning of the brain and its damage. This study is performed repeatedly during the course of treatment for TCMP to monitor the effectiveness of the therapy over time.

If there are possible indications, the doctor may refer the patient for the procedure.

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Technique transcranial micropolarization of the brain.

TCMP is performed using a transcranial micropolarization device. Electrodes are connected to the device, which are fixed in the correct position by a special helmet. After fixing the electrodes, the specialist selects the necessary parameters and starts the device. After starting, it begins to affect the brain with a permanent flow of electric current, which does not exceed the strength of the brain's own processes and is calculated in an amount of up to 1 mA. Thus, there is no aggressive stimulation of the brain, which occurs in other methods of electrical treatment.

A TCMP session lasts from half an hour to 50 minutes. The patient is allowed to do his/her own things during the procedure. These can be personal matters (for example, reading a book) or additional procedures in complex therapy (for example, classes with a speech therapist or rehabilitation specialist).

This type of treatment is allowed during drug-induced sleep. It is also allowed to use the TCMP method during artificial ventilation.

Transcranial micropolarization can be used as an adjunctive therapy for various pathologies in children and adult patients, and is also used as an independent therapeutic method. The procedure scheme is prescribed individually and depends on the disease itself, the affected area of the brain and other factors. However, in all cases, one procedure will not bring the expected result. It is necessary to undergo a course of treatment consisting of at least 10 sessions. Recommendations may be given regarding additional measures of general body massage, speech therapy massage, sessions with a psychologist, therapeutic exercise and classes with a speech therapist. To consolidate the effect, the course should be repeated in 5-6 months.

Contraindications to the procedure

Contraindications to TCMP are:

• brain tumors (malignant);
• cardiovascular diseases in severe stages;
• non-integral scalp;
• presence of foreign objects in the cranium;
• acute diseases or exacerbation of chronic diseases of various etiologies, when the body temperature is higher than normal, as well as diseases of the connective tissue of a systemic nature;
• there are tumors, pigmentation, and rashes in the areas of the head where the electrodes are supposed to be attached;
• individual hypersensitivity to electric current.

There are some conditions in which it is inappropriate to perform TCMP due to its low efficiency. However, sometimes specialists prescribe transcranial micropolarization, since it cannot cause harm to these groups of patients, but gives a small chance of positive dynamics. Among such pathologies:

• severe psychiatric illnesses;
• mental retardation;
• autism;
• Down syndrome;
• other genetic diseases.

During the course of therapy, the following is additionally prohibited:

• take psychotropic medications, in particular nootropics (TCMP is a complete replacement for taking nootropic drugs);
• take a course of acupuncture;
• undergo a course of vibration stimulation;
• undergo a course of electromyostimulation.

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Consequences after the procedure

The effects that TCMP has on the patient's body are divided into:

• local (tissue) reduction of inflammation, size of affected areas and swelling due to positive impact on brain tissue nutrition
• Systemic electric current directed at the brain helps change the functional state of its neurons. In this way, the brain's regulation of various functions is restored by improving the interaction of various structures of the brain and its nerve cells.

As a result of completing the course, patients experience positive changes:

• in focal diseases of the brain, as a result of strokes and traumatic brain injuries, the affected area is significantly reduced, the functions impaired due to the development of pathology are restored faster
• in case of speech or mental developmental delays in children, in case of ADHD, sleep, general emotional state, memory functions improve, attention is sharpened, impulsivity decreases, speech develops, the child becomes more assiduous and teachable, his level of social adaptation increases
• cramps and hyperkinesis disappear

Transcranial micropolarization should be performed about twice a year to achieve the most positive result, or more often as prescribed by a doctor (if the patient's condition does not improve). After the first procedure, the effect is often unnoticeable, although some patients notice changes after the first session. Positive dynamics often begin to be observed approximately in the middle of the course, and peak expression at the end of treatment and within 1-2 months after.

There are also no special rules for care after therapy sessions. The procedure is painless and the patient does not need additional care.

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Complications after the procedure

Transcranial micropolarization of the brain has no side effects and does not lead to complications. The patient can be of any age and gender.

The procedure is absolutely painless and has no risks. In this regard, reviews of this type of therapy are positive. With strict adherence to the specialist's recommendations regarding the duration of the course and repetitions, the most positive results are observed.

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