Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation for ADHD? Hold on (Premium)

If you or your child have a diagnosis of ADHD and have not responded to conventional drug treatment, you may one day be offered trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS). This noninvasive approach sends mild electrical signals to stimulate branches of the trigeminal nerve, with the goal of improving concentration and reducing impulsivity.

According to the researchers in a new study significant behavioral improvement and changes in brain activation were seen with this approach. Treatment required children to wear a patch on the forehead during sleep for 8 hours nightly over a 4-week period while receiving mild stimulation to the skin.

Before sharing the biggest concern with this study,  let me highlight a classic excuse used by researchers for jumping to a high-tech treatment such as this before potential integrative health issues are considered.