tDCS – TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT STIMULATION
What is Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)?
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation is a form of electrical stimulation that is used to treat many conditions and pathologies, both in the brain and in the body. The technology uses a positive electrode and a negative electrode (called the anode and the cathode). Electrons are streamed from the anode to the cathode. This is distinct from Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation, in which the roles of anode and cathode switch between the electrodes.
Direct current passes a one-way current through the brain or the body. In the brain, this causes a surge in calcium ions and in sodium ions. This causes neuroplasticity(1), which makes the brain more susceptible to neurofeedback and pEMF conditioning. It increases the potential of the brain to change, learn and grow.
(1):https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27000523 DOI:10.1038/ncomms11100
What is Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation useful for?
Direct Current:
- Increases blood flow to the targeted areas
- Causes large scale network reorganization.
- Stimulates the area related to the anode
- Inhibits the area related to the cathode
- Causes calcium and sodium ion surges in the astrocytes.
Which conditions does Transcranial Direct Current Treat?
Migraines have been alleviated in our clinic by the application of TDCS. Our migraine protocol causes the underlying blood vessels to dilate. This allows oxygenation of the parietal and occipital cortices, which are related to the pain sensation and visual auras which people perceive during their migraine attacks.
TDCS is used to treat a whole gamut of conditions. Here is a link to a website which describes some of the protocols, as well as the scientific experimental evidence for why the treatment is designed precisely how it is:
Is Transcranial Direct Current Safe?
A recent meta-analysis showed no serious adverse effects of over 1000 people across 33,200 sessions (2). This analysis included stimulations using up to 4 milli-amperes of electricity, while the equipment we use is hardwired to deliver no more than 2.5 milli-amperes.
In our clinic, we believe it is important to listen to the brainwaves and take measurements before we apply current. For this reason, we acquire a QEEG brain map prior to stimulation.
DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2016.06.004
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