Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES)

Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) provides an alternative way to treat conditions such as anxiety, depression and insomnia.

At Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, our behavioral health specialists use CES to treat patients effectively without using drugs or invasive therapies.

What is cranial electrotherapy stimulation?

Cranial electrotherapy stimulation is a treatment method that delivers low-intensity electrical currents to the brain. It uses a device with electrodes that attach to spots on the head, such as the earlobes, eyelids or temples.

The currents influence brain activity that controls the central and peripheral nervous system. By stimulating brain tissue, CES may help regulate brain chemicals that affect mood, stress levels and sleep.

Types of cranial electrotherapy stimulation

There are several CES devices on the market that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are used in clinical settings, but you can also purchase CES devices for at-home use. You must have written approval from your doctor before you can order a CES device to use at home.

Devices made by different companies differ slightly in how and where they attach and deliver electric pulses. But the goal of all is the same: to promote relaxation and regulation of brain activity.

Conditions treated with cranial electrotherapy stimulation

Cranial electrotherapy stimulation is an FDA-approved treatment for:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia

Some research has looked at using CES to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), headache and chronic pain. But no CES devices are currently approved by the FDA for those conditions.

Cranial electrotherapy stimulation side effects

Treatment with CES is generally considered safe, but some people do report mild side effects, including:

• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Skin irritation (from the electrode placement)
• Tinnitus
• Vertigo