What is Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation (tDCS)?

The Basic Things You Need To Know About tDCS: 


Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation which is abbreviated as (tDCS) is a type of simulation that is portable and works simultaneously to help deliver an electric current that is low to the scalp, using a neuromodulatory technique. The current applied to the scalp ranges from 1 to 2 mA. 
To make sure that the neurons are depolarized respectively, this tDCS was designed to work in such a way that the positive and negative current is applied to an area through electrodes. The rate at which the current flows and the specific location it goes to in the brain is determined by positions of both the anode and cathode electrodes. 
Despite being an electric current, the amount of current delivered by the tDCS is negligible. This simply means that it has no potentials of causing any action in the neuron. What the current been supplied which is at a sub-threshold level does is to either reduce or increase the distance between the neurons and the firings. With this process, what TDCS simply does is to trigger the Voltage which is at rest in the neuronal membrane to create activities in the neuron in a certain direction.
This process helps to either add or take away strength from the synaptic transmission located between the neurons. Being a transcranial stimulation, it can be combined with training. Currently, it is been explored to help with psychological problems such as addiction, depression, epilepsy,  motor rehabilitation, and all kinds of chronic pain.

What Are The Features Of tDCS? 

tDCS is an electric device that is powered by small batteries. It is designed with a highly sensitive control panel that allows you to program the tDCS in a way that suits you. Also, it has a headgear which is usually in the form of an elastic strap. This headgear help hold the electrodes on the head and in place. Each of these electrodes is connected to the simulator by a cable. When the tDCS is powered, the current is supplied to the electrodes and then to the brain of the device. 

Are There Any Possible Side Effects Of tDCS? 

So far, there have not been any major side effects associated with the use of tCDS. Although, clinical trials are still ongoing trying to figure out if there are any. The only side effects that are already established are minor and are associated with the location of the electrodes. These include temporary reactions such as itching, skin redness, and tingling. Other yet to be established side effects include dizziness, nausea, and headache.

What don’t we know about tDCS?

Despite all the possible advantages that tDCS has to offer, there are still several doubts and questions all around about it possible and the best applications of tDCS. With decades of research and the ongoing research, it's been discovered that the plasticity of the human brain allows an individual to have lasting excitement when tDCS is applied. 

Where can I get tDCS?

Presently, tDCS is still a product that has an "investigational" regulatory status in the United States. However, the use of tDCS is still undergoing clinical test trials.

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