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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
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Electrode Positioning and Montage in Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Published on: May 23, 2011
[Modulation of cortical excitability by transcranial direct current stimulation]
M A Nitsche1, D Liebetanz, F Tergau
1Abteilung Klinische Neurophysiolgie, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen. mnitsch1@gwdg.de
Der Nervenarzt
|June 4, 2002
Summary
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) offers a noninvasive method to modulate brain excitability, showing greater effects than repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). This technique holds therapeutic potential for neuropsychiatric disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuromodulation
Context:
- Cerebral excitability modulation is key in treating neuropsychiatric disorders like epilepsy and depression.
- Nonpharmacological, noninvasive methods are sought to influence cortical functions.
Purpose:
- To provide an overview of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a method for modulating cerebral excitability.
- To compare tDCS with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).
Summary:
- tDCS uses weak electrical currents to alter neuronal resting membrane potential, inducing hyper- or depolarization.
- Anodal stimulation increases cortical excitability, while cathodal stimulation decreases it.
- These excitability changes are polarity-dependent, lasting after stimulation cessation, and controllable via duration and intensity.
Impact:
- tDCS offers a focal, selective, reversible, and pain-free approach to induce changes in cortical excitability.
- The therapeutic potential of tDCS requires further evaluation in clinical studies, including assessment of risk factors.
