TABLE 3.
Assessment of side effects: anodal and sham tDCS1
| Anodal tDCS (n = 9) | Sham tDCS (n = 14) | |
| Headache | ||
| Absent | 8 (88.9%) | 10 (71.4%) |
| Present | 1 (11.1%) | 4 (28.6%) |
| Neck pain | ||
| Absent | 9 (100%) | 13 (92.9%) |
| Present | 0 (0%) | 1 (7.14%) |
| Scalp pain | ||
| Absent | 6 (66.7%) | 9 (64.3%) |
| Present | 3 (33.3%) | 5 (35.7%) |
| Scalp burn | ||
| Absent | 6 (66.7%) | 10 (71.4%) |
| Present | 3 (33.3%) | 4 (28.6%) |
| Tingling | ||
| Absent | 7 (77.8%) | 6 (42.9%) |
| Present | 2 (22.2%) | 8 (57.1%) |
| Skin redness2 | ||
| Absent | 2 (22.2%) | 10 (71.4%) |
| Present | 7 (77.8%) | 4 (28.6%) |
| Sleepiness | ||
| Absent | 6 (66.7%) | 5 (35.7%) |
| Present | 3 (33.3%) | 9 (64.3%) |
| Trouble concentrating | ||
| Absent | 7 (77.8%) | 12 (85.7%) |
| Present | 2 (22.2%) | 2 (14.3%) |
| Mood changes | ||
| Absent | 8 (88.9%) | 11 (78.6%) |
| Present | 1 (11.1%) | 3 (21.4%) |
1
Absolute and relative (%, in parentheses) numbers of individuals who reported side effects for ≥1 visit, assessed after anodal compared with sham tDCS. Side effects were self-reported through the use of a standard questionnaire (19). Therefore, frequencies reflect the subjective interpretation of a participant. tDCS, transcranial direct current stimulation.
2
Relative to the group receiving sham stimulation, the group receiving anodal tDCS had a higher prevalence of skin redness (P < 0.05, chi-square test). Only individuals who participated in both the inpatient assessment and outpatient visits were analyzed.