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Updated: May 28, 2026
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Non-Invasive Electrical Brain Stimulation Montages for Modulation of Human Motor Function
Published on: February 4, 2016
Direct current brain polarization: a simple, noninvasive technique for human neuromodulation.
Dede Ukueberuwa1, Eric M Wassermann
1Brain Stimulation Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Summary
Transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation technique that safely alters brain function. While the field is young, TDCS shows potential for enhancing cognition and treating disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuromodulation
Background:
- Neurons exhibit polarity-specific responses to electrical environment changes.
- Direct current (DC) stimulation across the head has a long history of attempts to alter brain function.
- Recent data support transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) as a noninvasive neuromodulation technique.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the basic mechanisms and human applications of TDCS.
- To explore TDCS's potential in enhancing normal brain function.
- To investigate TDCS for treating neurologic and behavioral disorders.
Main Methods:
- Selective literature review.
- Presentation of original research on TDCS mechanisms and applications.
- Discussion of neurophysiologic, cognitive, and behavioral research.
Main Results:
- TDCS has safely produced various effects on human brain function in small studies.
- Uncertainties remain regarding TDCS's precise behavioral mechanisms and current distribution in the brain.
Conclusions:
- The field of TDCS is nascent, requiring replication of findings.
- TDCS demonstrates potential as a simple and safe neuromodulation method.
