This procedure is known as the transcranial direct current stimulation. This is a procedure that has gained prominence in use over the recent past. It entails the use of a current directed to a specific target on the brain using some electrodes. The process aims at creating some excitement to the brain neurons either by increasing this or reducing it. The stimulation was originally aimed at helping patients suffering from brain injuries such as the stroke patients. The tdcs has however been developed more and it has been realized that the procedure can help more in the therapy of other tasks.
Depending on the part or area of the brain being stimulated, this practice has helped in activities such as the enhancing of language, attention span, problem solving, memory loss, mathematical abilities and some coordination activities. Its use has been developing over the years and more research studies have been conducted to check its positive and negative effects. The stimulation is now frequently used because it is safe for human use as along some safety protocols are maintained.
The procedure involves simply passing some constant and direct flow of current through the neurons in the brains using some electrodes. The therapist places the electrodes on an area of interest with proper precision in order to attain successful results. The current passing through is intended to induce intracerebral activity.
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.
You require some very few equipment to set up the procedure. You need two electrodes and a battery powered device that will be able to deliver a constant and direct current flow. This device will provide you a positively charged electrode which is known as the anode and a negatively charged electrode which is called the cathode. The anode dissipates the current and its ions flow from it, though the conducting body and towards the cathode.
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.
The anode or cathode is placed on the place of interest and then the other is placed at the neck or shoulder. This is known as the reference electrode. The current is then allowed too flow freely from one end to another until the time set lapses. The flow can be gradually increased or decreased.
In modern studies, it has been noticed that this process can be improved by using more than two electrodes. These small multiple electrodes are able to cover a larger and more specific cortical structures than the use of sponge electrodes. This in turn generates more and longer lasting excitement changes thus making them much more effective.
Depending on the part or area of the brain being stimulated, this practice has helped in activities such as the enhancing of language, attention span, problem solving, memory loss, mathematical abilities and some coordination activities. Its use has been developing over the years and more research studies have been conducted to check its positive and negative effects. The stimulation is now frequently used because it is safe for human use as along some safety protocols are maintained.
The procedure involves simply passing some constant and direct flow of current through the neurons in the brains using some electrodes. The therapist places the electrodes on an area of interest with proper precision in order to attain successful results. The current passing through is intended to induce intracerebral activity.
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.
You require some very few equipment to set up the procedure. You need two electrodes and a battery powered device that will be able to deliver a constant and direct current flow. This device will provide you a positively charged electrode which is known as the anode and a negatively charged electrode which is called the cathode. The anode dissipates the current and its ions flow from it, though the conducting body and towards the cathode.
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.
The anode or cathode is placed on the place of interest and then the other is placed at the neck or shoulder. This is known as the reference electrode. The current is then allowed too flow freely from one end to another until the time set lapses. The flow can be gradually increased or decreased.
In modern studies, it has been noticed that this process can be improved by using more than two electrodes. These small multiple electrodes are able to cover a larger and more specific cortical structures than the use of sponge electrodes. This in turn generates more and longer lasting excitement changes thus making them much more effective.