The brain is the body’s control center, working with the utmost precision to process sensory input and coordinate and direct all functions. This is where all the threads come together. Disturbances in brain function therefore have serious consequences for bodily functions. This leads to failures and deficits that severely impair the everyday life of those affected. A special procedure promises help and relief of symptoms here.
What is transcranial direct current application?
The method is called transcranial direct current application and is a noninvasive procedure for stimulating the brain. It has been used repeatedly to treat pain or depression, but its effectiveness has not yet been scientifically tested. In technical jargon, it is called tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation). Electrodes are attached to the scalp through which a weak direct current acts on the brain. The method is painless, well tolerated and is used for rehabilitation, especially of speech, motor and cognitive skills. The effect is determined by the polarity. The duration of this application varies from 10 to 30 minutes. It is carried out by the attending physician, neuropsychologist or psychologist, but can also be done by the patient himself or his relative, after previous training. It is important that the device that is used has CE certification and meets the requirements of the German Medical Device Act. But where exactly is transcranial direct current application used?
Function, effect, and goals
There are many indications where tDCS can be supportive and soothing. An American study found that stroke patients with motor deficits of the arms and/or legs who were treated with tDCS during rehabilitation had better therapeutic outcomes. The effect was still noticeable 2 weeks after the end of therapy. Patients who suffered speech disorders after a stroke were also helped by transcranial direct current stimulation. Another study with people suffering from schizophrenia and hallucinations showed that hallucinations were significantly reduced after tDCS therapy. This positive effect continued for up to 3 months after the end of therapy. The method was also tested on patients with chronic neuropathy. Here it was shown that the pain was significantly reduced by the therapy and was still much more moderate after the end of therapy. Furthermore, transcranial direct current stimulation was tested in depression. The activity of the prefrontal cortex is altered. However, many depressed patients do not respond to conventional treatment according to the guidelines. Here, tDCS can provide relief. The method has also been tested on Parkinson’s patients with mild cognitive deficits. Here, an improvement was also demonstrated. The treatment with transcranial direct current stimulation is therefore versatile and, according to the study results, promises relief for the affected patients. It usually lasts between 10 and 30 minutes. The current flow has an intensity of 1 mA to 2 mA and passes through electrodes of approximately 35 cm2. The polarity of the electrodes determines the desired effect, the pathing or inhibition of a brain function.
Risks, side effects, and hazards
There are few risks associated with this method because it is noninvasive, meaning that no surgery is required to use it. 2 electrodes are placed at specific locations on the patient’s scalp, through which the weak direct current then stimulates the brain. The tDCS is painless and is usually well tolerated by patients. Only a slight tingling or itching sensation is felt on the scalp. Side effects are not known. In rare cases, headaches or fatigue have been complained of after use. Patients with Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, hallucinations, chronic neuropathy, and motor and speech function deficits after stroke can be helped with transcranial direct current application. Symptoms will be alleviated, allowing patients to experience an improvement in quality of life and better manage their daily lives. These are medical indications and the devices must meet the strictest medical requirements. They should also only be operated by physicians or appropriately trained individuals.However, there are now over-the-counter devices that advertise to improve short-term memory and responsiveness in healthy people. They are especially popular computer gamers. The military is also said to use them. However, these devices do not meet medical standards in any way. Improper use can have an opposite effect. In fact, a study was also conducted with healthy people to test the effect. The result was that brain function had deteriorated after using the devices freely available on the market. The transcranial direct current application improves motor functions,mild cognitive deficits as well as speech disorders for example in Parkinson’s disease or after strokes and alleviates hallucinations. Further studies are underway to thoroughly test the efficacy. However, the treatment must be administered under medical supervision, by authorized physicians or clinics, and the devices must meet strict requirements. People should refrain from purchasing the over-the-counter devices. They cannot be compared with the devices used in medicine. The hoped-for effect did not occur here. Stimulation of the healthy brain should be avoided. Healthy people are advised to exercise their brain in the conventional way. For patients with the symptoms described above, however, transcranial direct current application promises help and support.
