skip to page content
Talk to the Veterans Crisis Line now
U.S. flag
An official website of the United States government

VA Health Systems Research

Go to the VA ORD website
Go to the QUERI website

The Effectiveness and Risks of Cranial Electrical Stimulation for the Treatment of Pain, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and Insomnia: A Systematic Review

Click for list of published reports
Click for topic nomination form
Click for list of reports in progress

Subscribe to the
ESP Report RSS feed RSS feed icon
The Effectiveness and Risks of Cranial Electrical Stimulation

Principal Investigator: Paul Shekelle, MD, PhD
Research Associates: Isomi M. Miake-Lye, PhDc; Roberta Shanman, MLS; Jessica M. Beroes, BS

Evidence-based Synthesis Program (ESP) Center, West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA

Washington (DC): Department of Veterans Affairs; February 2018.



Download PDF: Complete Report, Executive Summary, Report, Appendices

Background

Cranial electrical stimulation (CES) is increasing in popularity as a treatment, yet of uncertain clinical benefit.

Purpose

To review evidence about the effectiveness and harms of CES for patients with chronic painful conditions, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia.

Key Questions

1. Compared to usual care, what is the effectiveness of cranial electrical stimulation (CES) for the following conditions: chronic pain, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia?

2. Compared to usual care, what are the risks of cranial electrical stimulation (CES) for the following conditions: chronic pain, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia?


See also

Shekelle PG, Cook IA, Miake-Lye IM, Booth MS, Beroes JM, Mak S. Benefits and Harms of Cranial Electrical Stimulation for Chronic Painful Conditions, Depression, Anxiety, and Insomnia: A Systematic Review. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2018;168(6):414-421. doi: 10.7326/M17-1970.

The Effectiveness and Risks of Cranial Electrical Stimulation (Management Brief)


Questions about the HSR website? Email the Web Team

Any health information on this website is strictly for informational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition.