Transcranial
Direct Current
Stimulation
Transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) is a non-invasive procedure in which a device that sends a small direct current across electrodes on the scalp to modulate brain function.
When the current is produced on the scalp this causes alteration of brain function which can be used for therapeutic purposes.
The (TDCS) works by sending a constant and low electrical direct current (1-2 mill amperes) between two electrodes. When the current passes from the anode to the cathode, it may increase the activity of the brain at the anode site and decrease the activity of the brain near the cathode site. This change of neuron excitability leads to alteration of brain function which can be used in various therapies.
One of the most important aspects of (TDCS) is its ability to achieve control changes even after the stimulation is ended. The duration of this change depends on the length of stimulation as well as the intensity of stimulation.
TDCS is a tool used in clinical disorders such as stroke recovery, depression, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, tinnitus, Alzheimer’s disease, migraine, fibromyalgia and central neuropathic pain.