A Look Into The TDCS Process

By Tammie Caldwell


The stimulation referred to as the transcranial direct current stimulation is a procedure carried out to create excitement on some brain neurons by the use of some direct current. This procedure requires the delivery of some direct but constant current flow to the specified target area of the brain using some electrodes. It was initially carried out to help brain injured patients like those who were stroke stricken. The practice has been in use for several years now and researches have been on going to determine to what more extent tDCS can help in offering therapy.

Depending on the part or area of the brain being stimulated, this practice has helped in activities such as the enhancing of language, attention span, problem solving, memory loss, mathematical abilities and some coordination activities. Its use has been developing over the years and more research studies have been conducted to check its positive and negative effects. The stimulation is now frequently used because it is safe for human use as along some safety protocols are maintained.

The procedure involves simply passing some constant and direct flow of current through the neurons in the brains using some electrodes. The therapist places the electrodes on an area of interest with proper precision in order to attain successful results. The current passing through is intended to induce intracerebral activity.

The flow of a current used is manipulated to either increase or reduce the excitability of neurons at the specific area being targeted. This change in the excitability then alters brain function and thus becomes relevant for various therapies.

The process by which to successfully undertake this is relatively simple provided you have the right equipment and knowledge on how to carry it out. It needs only two electrodes which are the positively charged anode and the negatively charged cathode. Current is known to flow from the positive anode and then end up at the negatively charged cathode for a circuit to be complete. The current therefore flows through the conducting tissues which in this case are the brain neurons and creates an excitement in them as it passes.

The skin where the electrodes will be placed is then prepared well to create a strong connection between the electrodes and the scalp when they will be placed on it. The electrodes should be well fixated to the point of interest for effective results. The smaller the size of the sponge electrode, the more focused it will be to effectively deliver the current on the desired point.

The electrode to complete a circuit can be placed on the neck, shoulder or opposite side of the first electrode. Current is then let to flow through and can be increased gradually. After the process is started, current will flow for the set time and then turn off automatically.

The recent studies have shown ways on how to greatly make this process more effective. This is by the use of multiple electrodes instead of two. Some multiple gel electrodes are placed at several points on the scalp to effectively deliver more current to multiple areas. The effects are therefore higher and more long lasting in this case.




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