Leo Sher, M.D.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved a new cranial electrotherapy stimulator (CES) device for the treatment of anxiety, depression, and insomnia (1).

The Cervella Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulator delivers a low-level, constant current to the individual’s cranium via a pair of conductive electrodes incorporated into ear pads of the headphones. According to some clinical studies, this electrical stimulation results in reduction in anxiety levels, insomnia, and depressed mood. The Cervella device looks indistinguishable from ordinary over-ear headphones.

Cervella is the first CES device that is managed through an app on a smart device. The patient can use the app to adjust the intensity level, frequency, and duration of the treatment.

Reference

1. Brooks M. FDA OKs Brain Stimulator for Insomnia, Anxiety, Depression. URL: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/910999