Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a contemporary, portable, non-invasive neuromodulatory technique that delivers a low electric current to the scalp. A fixed current between 1 and 2 mA is typically applied. tDCS works by applying a positive (anodal) or negative (cathodal) current via electrodes to an area, facilitating the depolarization or hyperpolarization of neurons, respectively. The positioning of the anode and cathode electrodes is used to influence how current flows, and where in the brain it does. The current delivered by tDCS is not considered strong enough to trigger an action potential in a neuron; its sub-threshold effect works by bringing the neurons closer to, or farther from firing. Plainly, tDCS augments the resting voltage of the neuronal membrane to prod a neuron’s activity in a desired direction. In this way, tDCS may work by strengthening or weakening synaptic transmission between neurons by augmenting synaptic plasticity which is, in turn, the cellular basis of learning. tDCS is often combined with training. Training in itself produces learning (synaptic plasticity), and concurrent tDCS amplifies these effects (enhances synaptic plasticity). Some areas tDCS is currently being explored include: depression, schizophrenia, aphasia, addiction, epilepsy, chronic pain (migraine, fibromyalgia), attention, and motor rehabilitation.
Is tDCS Electric Shock Treatment?
No. tDCS is NOT shock treatment. Though this may remind you of the more drastic shock therapy (ECT) it is nothing like it.
For one thing ECT gives a person's brain a giant 240 volt - 600 millamp buzz which causes a seizure (convulsions). tDCS uses a very mild 9 volt current (the equivalent of a camera battery) which is painless and harmless. ECT always requires a person to get anaesthesia to get it. tDCS is delivered in the doctors clinic while you are sitting and fully awake and conscious.
tDCS is absolutely painless, and you do not feel a thing.There is
NO SHOCK -NO PAIN -NO SIDE EFFECTS -No DROWSINESS
What are the indications for tDCS?
tDCS is considered to safely induce reversible changes in neuron excitation and can induce benefits in various conditions, such as:
- Treatment of depression
- Treatment of depression
- Anxiety Disorders
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic neuropathic pain
- Migraine
- Chronic Headache
- Parkinsonism
- Post- Stroke recovery
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Enhancement of Learning
- Enhancement of Cognitive Skills such as Attention and Memory
- Enhancement of Language and Mathematical Ability
What are the effects of tDCS on the brain?
tDCS has a significant effect on neurological activity in the targeted parts of the brain. Each device has an Anodal electrode and a Cathodal electrode. The Anodal electrode is the positively charged electrode and the Cathodal electrode is the negatively charged electrode. The current flows from the cathodal electrode to the anodal electrode, creating a circuit. Thus, there are two types of stimulation with tDCS – Anodal and Cathodal stimulation. Anodal stimulation acts to excite neuronal activity while Cathodal stimulation inhibits or reduces neuronal activity. In other words, tDCS stimulation changes brain function either by causing the neuron resting membrane potential to depolarize or hyper polarize. When positive stimulation is delivered, the current causes a depolarization of the resting membrane potential, which increases excitability of brain cells and allows for more spontaneous cell firing. Negative stimulation causes a hyper polarization and decreases or inhibits neuron function.
One of the most important aspects of tDCS is its ability to achieve and cause sustained cortical (brain activity) changes even after the stimulation is ended. The duration of this change depends on the length of stimulation as well as the intensity of current.
WHAT ARE THE UNIQUE FEATURES OF TDCS?
Safety, ease of use and general absence of severe side effects are the unique features of tDCS. This significantly reduces costs, increases accessibility to treatment, gives the option of longer treatment protocols and continuity of treatment is more easily maintained.
WHAT ARE THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF TDCS?
tDCS is an extremely safe technique. The most common report by clients is that of a tingling sensation under the electrodes. This transient sensation is present during and shortly after the period of stimulation for a few seconds and has no adverse effects or risks. Almost all clients have reported the sensation as quite mild.