The use of tDCS as a therapeutic option for tinnitus: a systematic review

Abstract Introduction: Due to the subjectivity of the tinnitus diagnosis and its diverse etiologies, establishing an effective treatment is complex. In this context, transcranial direct current stimulation, a noninvasive option, is available for most patients and has shown good results in the treatment of other symptoms such as chronic pain. Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic response of tinnitus to transcranial direct current stimulation. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed using the following descriptors: tinnitus, transcranial direct current stimulation and randomized clinical trial. The research was carried out in the MEDLINE/PUBMED, Lilacs, and Scielo databases. The inclusion criteria were: patients over 18 years of age with no associated comorbidities, who had a diagnosis established by a specialist or through the application of previously validated scales and criteria applied by a non-specialist physician. Results: A total of 4165 studies were found, and a total of six were selected after the inclusion criteria were applied, obtaining a sample of 602 patients. Based on the defined criteria, there was a positive response to transcranial direct current stimulation in 14.86% of the participants. Conclusion: Based on literature studied, there is no therapeutic response of tinnitus to transcranial direct current stimulation.

摘要与引言：由于耳鸣诊断具有主观性且病因多样，制定有效的治疗方案极为复杂。在此背景下，经颅直流电刺激（transcranial direct current stimulation）作为一种无创治疗手段，适用于大多数患者，且在慢性疼痛等其他症状的治疗中已展现出良好效果。研究目的：评估经颅直流电刺激对耳鸣的治疗应答效果。研究方法：本研究采用系统文献综述方法，以“耳鸣”“经颅直流电刺激”“随机对照临床试验（randomized clinical trial）”为检索词，在MEDLINE/PUBMED、Lilacs及Scielo数据库中开展文献检索。纳入标准为：年龄18岁以上、无合并症、经专科医生确诊，或由非专科医生采用已验证的量表及诊断标准明确诊断的耳鸣患者。研究结果：初检共检索到4165篇文献，经纳入标准筛选后最终纳入6篇，合计样本量为602名患者。根据既定评价标准，14.86%的受试者对经颅直流电刺激呈现阳性应答。研究结论：基于本次检索的文献分析结果，经颅直流电刺激并未展现出针对耳鸣的治疗应答效果。