Anterior Cingulate Cortex Implants for Alcohol Addiction: A Feasibility Study

This study assessed the effectiveness and feasibility of suppressing alcohol craving using cortical implants of the rdACC using a controlled one-group pre- and post-test study design. Eight intractable alcohol-dependent participants (four males and four females) were implanted with two Lamitrode 44 electrodes over the rdACC bilaterally connected to an internal pulse generator (IPG). The primary endpoint, self-reported alcohol craving reduced by 60.7% (p = 0.004) post- compared to pre-stimulation. Adverse events occurred in four out of the eight participants. Electrophysiology findings showed that among responders, there was a post-stimulation decrease (p = 0.026) in current density at the rdACC for beta 1 band (13–18 Hz). Results suggest that rdACC stimulation using implanted electrodes may potentially be a feasible method for supressing alcohol craving in individuals with severe alcohol use disorder. However, to further establish safety and efficacy, larger controlled clinical trials are needed.
Source: Neurotherapeutics - Category: Neurology Source Type: research