Effects of tDCS and tUS on Pain Perception in OA of the Knee

Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Transcranial Ultrasound (TUS) on the Perception of Pain and Functional Limitations Due to Osteoarthritis of the Knee

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in conjunction with transcranial ultrasound (TUS) on pain perception and functional limitations in people with osteoarthritis of the knee. The investigators hypothesize that there will be a decrease in pain levels with active stimulation, when compared to sham stimulation.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Able to provide informed consent to participate in the study.
2. Subjects between 18-85 years old.
3. Diagnosis of chronic osteoarthritis with pain of either knee as self-reported.
4. Existing knee pain of at least 3 on a 0-10 VAS scale on average over the past 6 months.
5. Pain of at least 3 on a 0-10 VAS scale on average over the week prior to the first stimulation session.
6. Pain resistant to common analgesics and medications for chronic pain used as initial pain management such as Tylenol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Soma, Parafon Forte DCS, Zanaflex, and Codeine.
7. Having the ability to feel pain as self-reported.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnancy or trying to become pregnant in the next 6 months.
2. History of alcohol or drug abuse within the past 6 months as self-reported
3. Contraindications to transcranial brain stimulation or TUS, i.e. implanted brain medical devices or implanted brain metallic devices.
4. Unstable medical conditions (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes, uncompensated cardiac issues, heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
5. Epilepsy.
6. Use of carbamazepine within the past 6 months as self-reported.
7. Suffering from severe depression (with a score of >30 in the Beck Depression Inventory)
8. History of unexplained fainting spells as self-reported.
9. Head injury resulting in more than a momentary loss of consciousness
10. History of neurosurgery as self-reported.