EC Neurology

Chronic hiccups are often dismissed as a benign annoyance but can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and may be indicative of underlying neurological or psychological conditions. In our research, we aimed to explore the efficacy of non-invasive neuromodulation techniques, particularly transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), in improving symptoms of persistent hiccups.

Our study presents the case of a 77-year-old individual suffering from persistent hiccups for twelve months. Following the protocol outlined in Shiozawa., et al. [1], we administered anodal tDCS at 2 mA, with the anode over F3 and cathode over F4 for thirty minutes daily from Monday to Friday over a three-week period. Despite following Shiozawa., et al. [1] procedures, our results did not indicate a significant reduction in symptoms. During the intervention, the patient began a pharmacological treatment with Trankimazin (Alprazolam), which provided temporary relief from hiccups, but these returned when the patient experienced a situation with high emotional distress, suggesting a potential emotional component to the condition. This finding underscores the complex interplay between neurological and psychological factors in the manifestation of hiccups and highlights the need for a multimodal approach to its treatment. Our study contributes valuable insights into the potential of tDCS for neurological disorders and the integration of psychological interventions alongside neuromodulation techniques. We propose that future research should explore the combined effects of psychological therapy and tDCS in addressing conditions with both neurological and emotional components.

 Keywords: Chronic Hiccups; Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS); Persistent Hiccups; Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item (GAD-7)

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