Electrical brain stimulation
Electrical brain stimulation
Electrical brain stimulation (pronunciation: /ɪˈlɛktrɪkəl breɪn ˌstɪmjʊˈleɪʃən/) is a form of neuromodulation that uses electrical currents to directly stimulate the brain. The technique has been used in various forms for centuries, but modern scientific research and clinical applications began in the 20th century.
Etymology
The term "Electrical brain stimulation" is derived from the English words "electrical", referring to the use of electricity, "brain", referring to the organ being stimulated, and "stimulation", referring to the act of provoking or arousing to action.
History
Electrical brain stimulation has its roots in the ancient practice of electrotherapy, which used electric fish and other natural sources of electricity for therapeutic purposes. Modern electrical brain stimulation techniques were developed in the 20th century, with the advent of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and later deep brain stimulation (DBS).
Techniques
There are several techniques of electrical brain stimulation, including:
- Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
Each technique has its own specific applications and potential side effects.
Applications
Electrical brain stimulation is used in a variety of medical and research contexts. It can be used to treat a range of neurological and psychiatric conditions, including Parkinson's disease, depression, and epilepsy. It is also used in neuroscience research to study brain function and in neurorehabilitation to aid recovery from brain injury.
Related terms
- Neuromodulation
- Electrotherapy
- Electroconvulsive therapy
- Transcranial direct current stimulation
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation
- Deep brain stimulation
- Vagus nerve stimulation
- Parkinson's disease
- Depression
- Epilepsy
- Neuroscience
- Neurorehabilitation
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Electrical brain stimulation
- Wikipedia's article - Electrical brain stimulation
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