Talking to Your Doctor

It is not unusual for patients to suggest a treatment option that's unfamiliar to their physician. Your physician might not know about the PainX® tDCS System as a treatment option for fibromyalgia or migraine. Since you will need to receive PainX® treatment at your doctors office, Soterix Medical has developed an information page designed to help you start a conversation with your physician about the therapy.

The unique Soterix Medical PainX® System offers a new option in managing chronic pain. If you or a loved one might benefit from PainX®, please contact us online and a Soterix Medical representative will be in touch soon.


What does tDCS mean?

It's an abbreviation for transcranial Direct Current Stimulation.

What is the PainX® tDCS System?

The PainX® tDCS system is a non-invasive therapy approved in select countries for the treatment of migraine and fibromyalgia. PainX® tDCS is the first and only tDCS based system approved for the safe and effective clinical treatment of pain disorders.

How does it work?

While you sit, electrode patches are applied to the head using a specially designed cap or strap. Wires connect the patches to a small battery-powered device that can be placed on a table next to you. For about 20 minutes, mild direct electrical current (DC) then stimulate specific positions of our brain to reduce the pain. Patients typically report a mild tingling sensation during the session that stops at the end.

When does the treatment occur?

Patients receive PainX® tDCS at their doctors office based on a schedule that is convenient to them. Most choose to have the stimulation therapy 3 to 5 times a week.

Who are good candidates?

Patients may try the PainX® if they have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia or migraine and the symptoms are not successfully managed with drug medication or there are bad side-effects from the drug medication. PainX® tDCS is a non-drug therapy with no significant side effects.

Where was the treatment developed?

PainX® tDCS System was invented by an international team of doctors and researchers and was first tested for the treatment of pain at Harvard Medical School. PainX® tDCS therapy is the first clinical system using tDCS to treat pain that is available to patients throughout select countries.

Where can I read peer-reviewed papers that have been published in scientific journals?

Please visit the publications page

How do you obtain it?

A patient must have a physician's prescription and supervision to receive the PainX therapy.

Is the PainX® tDCS System covered by insurance?

No, at this time the PainX® is not covered by insurance, please check back regularly for updates on reimbursement.

How much does the PainX® Therapy cost?

Your doctor will discuss with you billing options. Typically, patients pay per session (doctors visit) with 4-6 weeks of regular therapy recommended. For example, if you receive 4 sessions per week for 5 weeks, that is 20 sessions. Often, after benefiting from PainX® therapy, patients may choose to visit their doctor again if symptoms return, for a "booster" session.

Print for Your Doctor