[ad_1]
"This new device offers a safe, non-drug option for the treatment of ADHD in pediatric patients through light nerve stimulation, a first of its kind," said Carlos Peña, director of the Division of Physical Medicine and Neurological Devices of the FDA. Center for Appliances and Radiation Health, said in a statement.
Called eTNS, the external trigeminal nerve stimulation system Monarch, marketed by NeuroSigma, treatment is only available on prescription and should be monitored by a caregiver.
The handheld device is connected by a wire to a small adhesive patch placed on the child's forehead, above the eyebrows. Designed to be used at home while you sleep, it delivers to the branches of the cranial nerve a "swarming" electrical stimulation that transmits sensations from the face to the brain.
Compared to a placebo, children using this device showed a statistically significant improvement in their ADHD symptoms, the FDA said, although it may take up to four weeks to see an improvement.
The authors of the clinical trial asked for further research to determine if the response to treatment would last in time and its potential impact on brain development in the event of prolonged use.
The FDA has stated that no serious adverse events have been reported during the clinical trial, but that common side effects could be fatigue, drowsiness or sleep disturbances, pinching teeth, headaches and an increase in appetite.
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children with ADHD may have difficulty paying attention, controlling their impulsive behavior, or being too active. Doctors usually recommend some treatment options for children: medications, behavior modification, or both. Some commonly prescribed drugs are amphetamine / dextroamphetamine, known as Adderall; methylphenidate, known as Concerta or Ritalin; and lisdexamfetamine, known as Vyvanse.
Although she does not know the specifics of the eTNS device, Dr. Jennifer Shu, a pediatrician in Atlanta, has been supportive of ADHD treatment options that do not involve medication.
"I would encourage families to talk to their pediatrician or pediatric neurologist to see if this system could be a good option for their child," Shu said.
The device has also been studied as a possible treatment for traumatic brain injury in veterans.
Michelle Watson contributed to this report.
[ad_2]
Source link