Principle and mechanisms of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) (pp. 249-258)
$45.00
Authors: (Andrea Antal, Walter Paulus and Michael A. Nitsche)
Abstract: Brain stimulation with weak direct current was reintroduced
about a decade ago as a method to elicit and
modulate neuroplasticity of the human cerebral cortex.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) generates
modulations of excitability during as well as up to hours
after the end of stimulation, depending on the duration and
intensity of stimulation. While anodal stimulation increases
excitability, cathodal stimulation reduces it. During the last
ten years tDCS has been demonstrated to modify
perceptual, motor and cognitive functions reversibly in
healthy subjects. Moreover, the results of clinical pilot
studies suggest its efficacy as a treatment in neurological
and psychiatric diseases. Increasing evidence shows that
tDCS improves motor functions after stroke, reduces
symptoms in chronic pain and depressed patients.
