What is tDCS?
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a technique of delivering low-intensity direct current through electrodes to the relevant parts of the brain and thus stimulating brain cells.
How is it applied?
The aim is to stimulate or suppress some electrical activities in the outer shell of the brain with the current given by two electrodes generally placed on the forehead. The basic working logic of tDCS is to stimulate and regulate brain cells called neurons with the application of electrical current. Neural electrical activities, which normally occur spontaneously in the brain, are changed in the desired direction with tDCS. Of the two electrodes usually placed on the forehead, one is the “anode” and the other is the “cathode.” While the anode increases the activity by making a positive charge in the brain area under its influence, the cathode suppresses the activity by making a negative charge. Sessions last between 25-35 minutes on average and are performed every day unless the specialist physician states otherwise. The number of sessions is determined according to the treatment plan determined by the physician.
How Does It Effect?
When tDCS is applied to the area in the front of the brain called the dersolateral prefrontal cortex, the person to whom it is applied has no decision-making ability. It temporarily increases cognitive skills such as problem solving, learning and language. As the number of sessions increases, these cognitive effects become more evident and longer-lasting.
In Which Situations Is It Used?
tDCS, also known as microstimulation therapy, is used in treatment-resistant neuropsychiatric cases. It should be applied with the request and guidance of the specialist doctor. Many studies on tDCS have revealed that there are neuropsychological and psychophysiological changes in the targeted areas of the brain with this method. tDCS was originally developed to help brain injuries and psychiatric conditions such as major depressive disorder. Today, it is used in a wide range of areas, from autism to obesity, from stroke to developmental disorders, from aphasia (loss of speech) to athletic performance improvement and anorexia, as well as depression and brain damage.
- depression
- brain injury / cerebrovascular occlusion
- acute and chronic pain
- autism
- migraine
- rehabilitation after stroke itation
- substance addictions
- obesity and anorexia
- developmental disorders
- aphasia (loss of speech)
- athletic performance augmentation
Why Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)?
- Treatment in cases that prevent drug therapy, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding or drug intolerance
- It supports drug treatment in cases where medication alone is insufficient.
- It is a painless treatment method, it does not cause chemical interactions like drugs and does not harm the body.
Side Effects and Risks
Side effects due to tDCS appear to be limited to headache, mild itching and redness at the electrode points. Transcranial direct current stimulation is considered a safe method of brain stimulation by the medical community when the product is used following the defined safety protocol. Parameters such as current, application time, stimulation frequency, etc. are determined in safety protocols, which reduces the side effects and risks of the product.
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