Neuromodulation of Lidocaine and Capsaicin Cream Effects on Pain Experience

tCDS safely applies a weak electrical current to your scalp using two sponge electrodes that look like flat circular pads. The pads will be held in place on your head with a neoprene cap. The pads will be attached to a generator that will send a weak stimulus to your scalp. This current influences the way that your brain cells work. When the stimulus starts, you might feel a tingling sensation underneath the electrode pads. That sensation is not painful and goes away in seconds.

Lidocaine cream will be applied on the arm to reduce pain sensitivity (analgesia).

Capsaicin cream will be applied on the arm to increase pain sensitivity (hyperalgesia).

A neutral cream will be applied on the arm as a control.