Transcranial direct-current stimulation

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Transcranial direct-current stimulation, tDCS in short, is a neoromodulatory technique in which a small and constant direct current is delivered through the skull in order to inhibit or excite neurons in the brain. tDCS may help patients suffering from strong depression and it may also relieve pain, help patients with neurodegenerative diseases, or enhance human cognition.[1]

Main characteristics

The tDCS is done by putting two electrodes on the scalp and running weak direct current between them so the current passes through the brain. Different areas of the brain can be affected based on the position of the electrodes. Depending on whether the stimulation is anodal or cathodal, the neuronal resting membrane potential is either depolarized or hyperpolarized respectively. Anodal stimulation enhances excitability, while cathodal stimulation has opposite results. The efficacy of the technique closely depends on the strenght of the generated electrical field. Clinically, tDCS is usually administered via two sponge electrodes soaked in a saline solution for conductibility.[2][3]

The effects of tDCS can be long-lasting. Prolonged sessions result in after-effects that may last hours. This is due to the brain neurotransmitters and receptors having polar properties and as such they react to electrical fields which results in lasting neurochemical changes in the brain. tDCS has a lasting effect on NMDA receptors and intracortical and corticospinal neurons. This type of stimulation also influences non-neuronal components of the nervous system, such as vessels and connective tissues, and can influence the widening of the blood vessels in the brain.[1]

Purpose

Transcranial direct-current stimulation is a tool used to treat neuropsychiatric diseases and to influence human cognition without the use of invasive methods or pharmaceutics.[4]

Company & People

Important Dates

Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment

Ethical & Health Issues

http://www.nature.com/news/brain-doping-may-improve-athletes-performance-1.19534 (used as doping)

Public & Media Impact and Presentation

Public Policy

Related Technologies, Projects or Scientific Research

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 BRUNONI, Andre Russowsky, et al. Clinical research with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS): challenges and future directions. Brain stimulation, 2012, 5.3: 175-195.
  2. NITSCHE, M. A.; PAULUS, W. Excitability changes induced in the human motor cortex by weak transcranial direct current stimulation. The Journal of physiology, 2000, 527.3: 633-639.
  3. ANTAL, A.; PAULUS, W.; NITSCHE, M. A. Principle and mechanisms of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). J PAIN SYMPTOM MANAG, 2009, 2: 249-258.
  4. A., Antal. W., Paulus. M.A., Nitsche. (2009). Principle and mechanisms of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). Journal of Pain Management, 2(3), 249–257. Retrieved from http://ovidsp.ovid.com/ovidweb.cgi?T=JS&PAGE=reference&D=emed9&NEWS=N&AN=2010453470