Transcranial direct current stimulation, or tDCS, is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, applying low intensity current to alter activation of the brain. Here, we explain how it works!

TDCS is applies a weak direct current to the head, which depolarizes or hyperpolarized the resting membrane potential of neurons in the targeted region. By itself, tDCS does not induce action potentials. Rather, it influences the likelihood of spontaneous firing. Although tDCS is valuable for neuroscience, to date, the effects are variable. This variability can be reduced by personalizing tDCS protocols.

Narrated by: Miles Wischnewski

References:
Chase, H. W., Boudewyn, M. A., Carter, C. S., & Phillips, M. L. (2020). Transcranial direct current stimulation: a roadmap for research, from mechanism of action to clinical implementation. Molecular psychiatry, 25(2), 397–407. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-019-04...

Fregni, F., El-Hagrassy, M. M., Pacheco-Barrios, K., Carvalho, S., Leite, J., Simis, M., Brunelin, J., Nakamura-Palacios, E. M., Marangolo, P., Venkatasubramanian, G., San-Juan, D., Caumo, W., Bikson, M., Brunoni, A. R., & Neuromodulation Center Working Group (2021). Evidence-Based Guidelines and Secondary Meta-Analysis for the Use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders. The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology, 24(4), 256–313. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijnp/pyaa051

Stagg, C. J., Antal, A., & Nitsche, M. A. (2018). Physiology of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation. The journal of ECT, 34(3), 144–152. https://doi.org/10.1097/YCT.000000000...

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