Effects of cranial electrotherapy stimulation on preoperative anxiety and blood pressure during anesthetic induction in patients with essential hypertension

OBJECTIVE: Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) is a non-invasive treatment that improves symptoms such as anxiety and pain. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of CES pretreatment on levels of preoperative anxiety, pain, and hemodynamic responses—especially changes in blood pressure—during anesthetic induction in patients with essential hypertension. METHODS: Eighty patients undergoing general anesthesia were randomly assigned to receive either no pretreatment (control group, n = 40) or CES pretreatment (CES group, n = 40). Anxiety scores, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate were measured in the general ward the evening before surgery, as well as in the preoperative holding area, operating room, and after intubation. Withdrawal responses to rocuronium injection were also measured. RESULTS: Anxiety scores in the operating room were significantly lower in the CES group. Withdrawal responses to rocuronium injection were also significantly lower in the CES group. There were no significant differences in hemodynamic values between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: CES pretreatment reduces both preoperative anxiety levels and withdrawal responses to rocuronium injection. However, it does not have a significant effect on hemodynamic responses.