Monday, August 19, 2019

TransCranial Electrical Stimulation - tDCS tACS - What is it?

What is Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)?

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), is a non-invasive, painless brain stimulation treatment that uses direct electrical currents to stimulate specific parts of the brain.

The therapy works by delivering a low intensity electrical current to part of the brain responsible for abnormal pain sensation. This constant, low intensity current is passed through two electrodes placed over the head which modulates neuronal activity.
The treatment is not surgical and drug free. 
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.

Is Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Effective?

Recent studies support a therapeutic potential of tDCS in patients with:
  • Ataxia
  • Fibomyalgia
  • Dysautonomia
  • Brain injury
  • Disorders of Consciousness
  • Migraine
  • Dyslexia
  • Spasticity
  • Cerebral Palsy

Chronic neuropathic pain, Parkinson, stroke recovery, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), traumatic spinal cord injury, depression and other illnesses.
TES treatments are complementary - that is they are used after standard therapies have failed.
 tDCS devices have not been approved by the FDA for this application.
Although tDCS is still an evolving form of brain stimulation, it potentially has several advantages over other brain stimulation techniques. It is cheap, non-invasive, painless and safe. It is also easy to administer and the equipment is easily portable.


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