Transcranial Electrical Stimulation: Methodology and Applications

Low-intensity transcranial current stimulation is a rapidly growing field of research. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is the dominant paradigm of this new field, with transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) just emerging. Anodal stimulation with tDCS has excitatory effects on the underlying cortex, whereas cathodal stimulation has inhibitory effects. Because both electrodes have significant brain effects when placed at cephalic areas, the term “reference” electrode should be avoided. Most studies have applied tDCS to the motor cortex, the prefrontal cortex, and the occipital cortex. Applications of tDCS include modulation of electrophysiological and hemodynamic brain activity, symptom reduction in neurological and psychiatric pathology, and cognitive improvement in healthy volunteers or clinical populations. There is evidence of motor improvement in patients with stroke, pain reduction in fibromyalgia, improved mood in patients with unipolar or bipolar depression, and reduced c...