New Clinical Review Highlights Alpha-Stim® in Expanding Neuromodulation Landscape
MINERAL WELLS, Texas — August 25, 2026 —
A new clinical review published in Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders highlights Alpha-Stim® and cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) within the expanding landscape of neuromodulation technologies for central nervous system disorders.
The review, authored by clinicians and researchers affiliated with leading academic and medical institutions, examines a range of neuromodulation approaches, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), deep brain stimulation (DBS) and CES. Within this broader landscape, the authors discuss CES as a noninvasive neuromodulation approach and Alpha-Stim among the technologies available for at-home use.
The review comes at a time when neuromodulation is playing an increasingly prominent role in treatment. The authors describe neuromodulation as a rapidly expanding class of interventions and note that many forms should not necessarily be viewed solely as treatments of last resort, but may warrant consideration earlier in the course of treatment.
The review highlights several areas particularly relevant to CES and Alpha-Stim:
CES is a well-tolerated, noninvasive neuromodulation approach. The authors note that CES has been “extremely well tolerated”, with reported adverse effects generally mild and uncommon. The review also discusses research evaluating the safety and clinical use of Alpha-Stim.
Neuromodulation may have a role earlier in the treatment journey. While neuromodulatory approaches are often considered after conventional treatments have not produced an adequate response, the authors state that many forms of neuromodulation should not be thought of only as treatments of last resort and should instead be considered earlier during treatment.
At-home neuromodulation may help reduce barriers to care. The authors highlight the potential for at-home neuromodulation technologies to reduce barriers associated with transportation and repeated in-clinic visits. Alpha-Stim is specifically identified among the neuromodulation devices available for at-home use.
At-home access may increase utilization. The review notes that the ability to use certain neuromodulation technologies at home may increase patient utilization by making treatment more accessible and convenient.
Alpha-Stim research is included in the clinical discussion. Among the studies reviewed is an open-label pilot study evaluating Alpha-Stim in nine veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study reported no adverse events and preliminary findings related to PTSD symptoms and concomitant symptoms, while supporting the need for further research in PTSD populations.
In the United States, Alpha-Stim is FDA-cleared for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia and pain. Depression is an approved indication outside the United States.
The studies cited in the review represent only part of the clinical evidence available on Alpha-Stim. Beyond the specific research discussed in the article, Alpha-Stim has been evaluated in clinical studies addressing its FDA-cleared indications, including anxiety, insomnia and pain.
A Growing Role for Neuromodulation in Psychiatric Care
The review also challenges the perception that neuromodulation should be reserved exclusively for patients who have exhausted other options. Instead, the authors encourage clinicians to consider the potential role of some neuromodulatory approaches earlier in treatment, based on factors including disease burden, treatment intensity, side effects, contraindications and cost.
For Alpha-Stim, inclusion within this broader discussion reinforces its place among the noninvasive neuromodulation technologies clinicians encounter as neuromodulation takes on a growing role in psychiatric care.
“What is significant about this review is the broader context in which CES is being discussed,” said Ryan Gober, PhD, Medical Science Liaison at EPI. “Neuromodulation is increasingly being considered as part of the earlier treatment landscape rather than simply as an option of last resort. As that conversation continues to become more frequent, clinicians will need to evaluate factors including evidence, tolerability, accessibility and ease of use. Alpha-Stim is part of that discussion and is uniquely positioned considering the technologies’ existing clearances, evidence base, and history on the market.”
The review’s emphasis on technologies that can extend treatment beyond traditional clinical settings is also significant as clinicians and patients seek treatment options that can be incorporated more easily into everyday life.
“At-home neuromodulation can address some of the practical considerations that affect treatment access, including transportation and the burden of repeated office visits,” Gober said. “The review specifically identifies Alpha-Stim among devices that can be used at home, giving clinicians another option to consider when determining how neuromodulation may fit into an individual patient’s treatment plan.”
A Long-Standing Role in the Future of Neuromodulation
Interest in noninvasive and at-home neuromodulation continues to grow as clinicians and patients look for additional approaches to managing conditions such as anxiety and insomnia.
Unlike many emerging technologies entering the neuromodulation space, Alpha-Stim has more than four decades of clinical experience and an extensive body of research examining CES and microcurrent electrical therapy (MET).
Its long-standing commercial availability, established safety record, and use by clinicians in real-world practice position Alpha-Stim to play a practical role as neuromodulation becomes more integrated into routine patient care.
“Neuromodulation is becoming an increasingly important part of the conversation around mental health care,” said Brian Burke, President of EPI. “We’re encouraged to see CES included in that broader discussion and Alpha-Stim recognized among technologies that can extend treatment beyond the clinic. After more than four decades in this field, we believe greater awareness of evidence-based, non-drug treatment options can ultimately give clinicians and patients more choices.”
The new review provides another perspective on the expanding neuromodulation landscape and the role established technologies such as CES may play as clinicians consider new ways to broaden treatment options and improve access to care.
Read the full clinical review:
Neuromodulatory and Wearable Technologies for Central Nervous System Disorders
Learn more about Alpha-Stim research:
Alpha-Stim Clinical Outcomes
For more information, please contact:
Danielle Boyd
Email: danielle@epii.com
Phone: 904-200-5240
About EPI
EPI is a leading neuromodulation therapeutic company specializing in non-invasive brain stimulation for psychiatric disorders and insomnia, along with microcurrent therapy for pain management, with devices for both clinical use and research. The company’s flagship product, Alpha-Stim, is FDA-cleared for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia through cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) and pain relief via microcurrent electrical therapy (MET).