Transcranial direct current stimulation
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (pronunciation: trans-kra-nee-al di-rect cur-rent stim-u-la-tion) is a non-invasive procedure that uses direct electrical currents to stimulate specific parts of the brain.
Etymology
The term "Transcranial" is derived from the Latin words "trans" meaning across, and "cranial" referring to the skull. "Direct Current" refers to the unidirectional flow of electric charge, and "Stimulation" refers to the act of encouraging or prompting a process or activity.
Procedure
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation involves the use of electrodes placed on the scalp to deliver a constant, low intensity current to the brain. The direction of the current flow determines whether the brain activity is increased or decreased.
Applications
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation has been used in the treatment of various neurological and psychiatric disorders such as Depression, Parkinson's Disease, and Stroke. It is also used in research to study the brain's plasticity.
Related Terms
- Neuroplasticity: The ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning or experience or following injury.
- Neurostimulation: The purposeful modulation of the nervous system's activity using invasive or non-invasive means.
- Electroencephalography: An electrophysiological monitoring method to record electrical activity of the brain.
See Also
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