Effects of tDCS on Depressive Symptoms of Participants With Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Effects of tDCS on Depressive Symptoms of Participants With Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
This project was developed to analyze the clinical, biochemical and functional impact of tDCS
 on depressive symptoms in participants with temporal lobe epilepsy, intending to collaborate
 directly in the development of new therapeutic strategies for participants with epilepsy and
 associated mood disorders. Another objective of this work is to add knowledge about
 biosafety, possible behavioral and electrophysiological effects of tDCS in participants with
 temporal lobe epilepsy. Depending on the findings, the study as proposed may provide
 immediate results for the care of participants with epilepsy.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as an alternative tool in the
 treatment of participants with mood disorders and may also benefit the treatment of
 participants with epilepsy. However, this therapeutic tool has been little explored in the
 treatment of mood disorders in participants with epilepsy. Considering these aspects, the
 main objective of this project is to study the safety and possible therapeutic effects of
 tDCS in depressive symptoms of participants with temporal lobe epilepsy. As secondary
 objectives, stands out the evaluation of the effects of this stimulation on the frequency of
 epileptic seizures and on electrophysiological and biochemical parameters in these
 participants. To do this, after performing semi-structured interviews to evaluate depressive
 symptoms, quality of life and sleep, participants with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy will be
 randomized into two groups: 1) intervention with tDCS in participants with Temporal Lobe
 Epilepsy and depressive symptoms (T) and 2) sham intervention in participants with Temporal
 Lobe Epilepsy and depressive symptoms (S). After studying and characterizing the behavioral,
 biochemical and electroencephalic patterns (EEG), the T group will be submitted to tDCS. The
 control group will perform the same assessments and the same preparatory procedures, but will
 not receive the electrical stimulus. Finally, in addition to the analysis of the
 electroencephalographic patterns of the two groups at the end of each session, the analysis
 of the brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) will also be performed,
 as well as a new clinical evaluation regarding the frequency of seizures and patterns of
 these participants through the same semi-structured interviews conducted initially.
Inclusion Criteria:

 1. Patients older than 18 years.

 2. Diagnosis of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy based on clinical, electrophysiological, magnetic
 resonance (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) imaging of the brain.

 3. Patients will be selected who are able to adequately complete the self-administered
 questionnaires and handle the home tDCS equipment.

 4. 13 points or more on the Beck Depression Inventory.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 1. Clinical history suggestive of other paroxysmal abnormalities other than temporal lobe
 epilepsy, such as syncope, psychogenic seizures, or transient vascular accident;

 2. Change in the antiepileptic regime in the last 30 days;

 3. History of status epilepticus on last year;

 4. Performed vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) or other
 neurostimulation <1 year prior to study;

 5. Active suicide plane;

 6. Contraindication for tDCS, including head injury, metal on the head or any implanted
 medical device, including pacemakers and cardiac defibrillators;

 7. Pregnancy.