tDCS uses weak direct currents to modulate neuronal excitability.
tDCS involves:
- Low-intensity currents (1-2 mA)
- Modulates rather than activates
- Polarity-dependent effects
- Anodal: increased excitability
- Cathodal: decreased excitability
- Layer II/III and V
- GABAergic modulation
- Network effects
- Synaptic plasticity
- Transsynaptic effects
- Thalamic modulation
- Basal ganglia
- Subthreshold depolarization/hyperpolarization
- Alters firing probability
- Modulates network activity
- NMDA receptor dependent
- Long-term effects
- After-effects
- Distributed changes
- Connected regions
- Functional networks
- Left DLPFC anodal
- Adjunctive treatment
- Modest effects
- Motor cortex
- Rehabilitation aid
- May enhance plasticity
- Working memory
- Attention
- Mixed evidence
- Motor cortex
- Analgesic effects
- Fibromyalgia
- Well-tolerated
- Minimal side effects
- Home use possible
- Skin irritation
- Device quality
- Appropriate protocols
- tDCS mechanisms (2022)
- tDCS clinical applications (2021)