The transcranial direct current stimulation refers to a process that involves the simulation of a brain area using some constant but low current. This form of neuron-stimulation involves the delivery of this current to the brain area using some electrodes that are carefully placed on a scalp. The procedure was initially developed to help treat patients diagnosed with brain injuries like strokes. As studies and research about the same have advanced, tDCS has been known to help increase cognitive person with relation to a variety of tasks.
The practice has also been used to enhance the attention span, mathematical abilities, memory loss, coordination, language and even problem solving. This depends with the location where the stimulation is intended to effect. The practice has been highly adapted in recent years as more people continue to learn of its merits. There are many studies that have been conducted to prove its safety and they have shown that it is safe for human use. This is however subject to proper maintenance of safety protocols.
The practice works by the sending of constant low and direct current through some electrodes to the regions of interest. The electrodes are placed on the scalp of the brain at the designated areas where the current is used to induce some intracerebral current flow. The wrong placement could lead to faults.
The current flow used can act in two ways. It can flow through to increase the excitement of the neurons in the areas being targeted. It can also be used to reduce this excitement. These changes cause alteration in the brain functions which then influence some of its activities.
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 setting up involves properly preparing the skin where the electrodes will be placed. There need to be a strong connection between them and the skin for a successful procedure. The electrode pads are of different sizes and the smaller their size is, the more focused the stimulation they will deliver to the required point. One of the electrodes is placed at the point of interest while the other is placed in another point to ensure the circuit is complete.
One of the electrodes is placed at the point of interest while the reference one can be placed on the shoulder, neck or a side opposite to the point of interest. The current is then let to flow through for the specified time. It should shut off once the time lapses.
Recent studies have shown that the effectiveness of this stimulation can be improved by the use of multiple electrodes. These gel electrodes are placed at more specific points unlike for the sponge ones. They in turn help to achieve better results.
The practice has also been used to enhance the attention span, mathematical abilities, memory loss, coordination, language and even problem solving. This depends with the location where the stimulation is intended to effect. The practice has been highly adapted in recent years as more people continue to learn of its merits. There are many studies that have been conducted to prove its safety and they have shown that it is safe for human use. This is however subject to proper maintenance of safety protocols.
The practice works by the sending of constant low and direct current through some electrodes to the regions of interest. The electrodes are placed on the scalp of the brain at the designated areas where the current is used to induce some intracerebral current flow. The wrong placement could lead to faults.
The current flow used can act in two ways. It can flow through to increase the excitement of the neurons in the areas being targeted. It can also be used to reduce this excitement. These changes cause alteration in the brain functions which then influence some of its activities.
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 setting up involves properly preparing the skin where the electrodes will be placed. There need to be a strong connection between them and the skin for a successful procedure. The electrode pads are of different sizes and the smaller their size is, the more focused the stimulation they will deliver to the required point. One of the electrodes is placed at the point of interest while the other is placed in another point to ensure the circuit is complete.
One of the electrodes is placed at the point of interest while the reference one can be placed on the shoulder, neck or a side opposite to the point of interest. The current is then let to flow through for the specified time. It should shut off once the time lapses.
Recent studies have shown that the effectiveness of this stimulation can be improved by the use of multiple electrodes. These gel electrodes are placed at more specific points unlike for the sponge ones. They in turn help to achieve better results.