New publication: Home-based tDCS + cognitive training in multiple sclerosis
Leigh Charvet, Judith D. Goldberg, Xiaochun Li, Pamela Best, Matthew Lustberg, Michael Shaw, Lana Zhovtis, Josef Gutman, Abhishek Datta, Marom Bikson, Giuseppina Pilloni. Lauren Krupp. (2025) Home-based transcranial direct current stimulation paired with cognitive training to reduce fatigue in multiple sclerosis. Scientific Reports 15:: 4551 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-88255-2
Abstract: Fatigue is a common and often debilitating feature of multiple sclerosis (MS) that lacks reliably
effective treatment options for most patients. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a safe and
well-tolerated type of noninvasive brain stimulation, is a low-cost and home-based approach with the
potential to reduce fatigue in MS. We conducted a double-blind, sham-controlled, randomized clinical
trial to compare active vs. low-dose (sham) tDCS paired with computer-based cognitive training,
delivered as a home-based intervention, to reduce MS-related fatigue. Participants with MS-related
fatigue, but without depression, were stratified by neurologic disability using the Extended Disability
Status Scale (EDSS) and randomized to complete 30 daily sessions over six weeks of either active or
sham tDCS paired with online cognitive training (BrainHQ). The primary outcome was the change in
PROMIS Fatigue score from baseline to the end of the intervention. A total of 117 participants were
randomized, with 92% completing all treatment sessions. Both groups showed significant reductions
in fatigue, with no significant difference between them. This suggests that tDCS does not provide any
additional benefit over cognitive training alone in reducing fatigue, but confirms the feasibility and
tolerance of this home-based intervention.
