In an era where digitalization is transforming every aspect of our daily lives, medicine is no exception. A concrete example of this evolution comes from the at-home treatment of patients through transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)—an innovative method that is achieving remarkable results in treating conditions such as depression and chronic pain that are resistant to traditional pharmacological therapies. Addressing the topic is Dr. Roberto Settembre, a well-known neurosurgery specialist from Bari.
By Roberta Imbimbo
Dr. Settembre, thanks to technological advancements, it’s now possible to provide effective treatments without requiring patients to visit hospitals or clinics. What are the main advantages of at-home transcranial electrical stimulation for both patients and healthcare professionals?
When it comes to transcranial electrical stimulation, the real revolution is that patients can now receive therapy directly in their own homes under the supervision of professionals who monitor them in real time through dedicated devices and apps. A significant step in this direction is the use of specific applications that allow doctors to track their patients’ progress remotely—even from many kilometers away—eliminating the need for frequent travel. What once seemed futuristic only a few years ago has now become a well-established practice, thanks to the ability to monitor patients’ progress online. This allows physicians to manage multiple patients at once—even those in remote regions—with a level of precision and oversight that was previously impossible.
Can you tell us more specifically what transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) involves?
It’s a non-invasive technique that uses low-intensity electrical currents to stimulate specific areas of the brain. This treatment has been extensively studied for its therapeutic potential in managing depression and chronic pain. For patients suffering from these conditions—often resistant to medication—tDCS offers a valuable alternative to improve mood or reduce pain, and consequently reduce the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Sessions typically last between 20 and 30 minutes, and thanks to their brief duration and ease of use, they can be seamlessly integrated into patients’ daily routines. The benefits of this innovation are numerous. Not only can the treatment be accessed from home by renting a dedicated device, but remote supervision through specialized apps enables continuous monitoring of vital signs and clinical responses. These apps are designed to track and collect data on key indicators such as response to stimulation, pain levels, and mood, providing doctors with a clear and consistent overview of patient progress. Additionally, tests conducted during and after treatment provide immediate feedback, enhancing therapeutic effectiveness and allowing physicians to tailor stimulation programs based on the patient’s real-time improvements. This approach eliminates the risk of treatment interruptions or insufficient responses—issues commonly encountered in traditional medicine when patients are not constantly monitored.
Another interesting aspect of this innovative home-based method is accessibility.
Absolutely! Thanks to the ability to treat patients remotely, transcranial electrical stimulation can now reach individuals living in remote areas who would otherwise struggle to access specialized care without constant travel. Furthermore, the remote approach helps reduce the workload for healthcare providers, who can manage a larger number of patients while optimizing their time and resources. This new frontier in therapeutic treatment offers extraordinary results for patients suffering from depression and chronic pain, giving them real hope for improvement even when pharmacological solutions have proven ineffective. At the same time, the ability to monitor patients remotely makes this technique an essential tool for the future of medicine—one that is increasingly focused on digital and personalized solutions. In summary, at-home transcranial electrical stimulation, supported by online patient management, is not only a new therapeutic opportunity but also a significant evolution in modern medicine. It enhances access to care and offers an innovative response to patient needs—a true game-changer for many lives.
