Effects of Noninvasive Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation via Concentric Ring Electrodes on Pilocarpine‐induced Status Epilepticus in Rats

SummaryPurpose: The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the antiepileptic effects of a novel noninvasive stimulation technique, transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TcES) via scalp concentric ring electrodes, on pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus (SE) in rats.Methods: Five minutes after the onset of SE, TcES was administered to the experimental rat via bipolar concentric ring electrode at the CZ location. Symmetrical, biphasic, charge‐balanced, constant current, isolated pulses were applied via a custom‐made stimulator. TcES parameters ranged from 200–750 Hz, 200 or 300 μs pulse duration, and 50 or 60 mA, applied for 1 min, started with the least intense parameter set and progressively increased.Results: TcES attenuated electrographic seizure activity and halted the progression of behavioral seizures. Interruption of seizure activity outlasted the period of stimulation and appeared to be long‐lasting. TcES treatment significantly extended the life and enhanced the survival of rats after SE.Conclusions: Noninvasive TcES, applied 5 min after SE onset via novel concentric ring electrodes on the scalp, reduced, or abolished electrographic and behavioral seizure activity in pilocarpine‐induced SE in rats. These findings suggest that TcES may have a role in the treatment of SE.