What are the possible side effects?

The most commonly reported are skin redness, itching, a burning or stinging feeling, and mild headache. Most are mild, happen where the pads sit, and pass within a few hours. Many people find they lessen as they go on.

In the trial, all of these except redness were reported at a similar rate by people using the sham headset.

Skin burns are rare and are usually caused by reusing pads or using pads that have dried out. Use fresh, damp pads every session.

Less commonly, people have reported tinnitus, tiredness or disturbed sleep, and worsening depression or anxiety. If your depression or anxiety gets worse at any point, stop and speak to your clinician.

These side effects typically resolve within a few hours to no more than a few days, and many users tend to adapt to the treatment over time, resulting in a reduction or disappearance of side effects with continued use.