Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Versus Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Abstract
Background: Diabetic periphral neuropathy is probably the most common form of the diabetic neuropathies. It is seen in both type 1 and type 2 DM with similar frequency, and may occur at time of diagnosis of type 2 DM. Sensory symp-toms are more prominent than motor symptoms and usually involve the lower limbs.
Objective: To compare the effect of transcutaneous elec-trical nerve stimulation versus transcranial direct current stimulation on diabetic painful neuropathy.
Subjects and Methods: Forty patients of both sex suffering from diabetic peripheral neuropathy with age range from 50 to 60 years old were participated in this study. They were assigned randomly into two equal groups, Group (A) received transcranial direct current stimulation, Group (B) received transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Treatment was applied 3 times per week for 2 months. Pain intensity was assessed by Neuropathy Pain Scale (NPS) before and after treatment.
Results: There was significant improvement in both groups after treatment than before treatment but there was no signif-icant difference between transcranial direct current stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.
Conclusion: Both transcutaneous electrical nerve stimu-lation and transcranial direct current stimulation are both effective in pain associated with diabetic painful neuropathy.