Transcranial Alternating Current and Random Noise Stimulation: Possible Mechanisms

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biophysics
• Computational Neuroscience

Background:

• Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is a noninvasive brain modulation technique.
• Its physiological mechanisms are less understood compared to transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent research on tACS mechanisms and its effects on brain oscillations.
• To explore how transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) modulates cortical functions.

Main Methods:

• Review of interdisciplinary research, including animal experiments and neural network simulations.
• Analysis of physics principles related to oscillator entrainment.
• Examination of computational models for predicting current flow.
• Inclusion of human physiology and behavior studies.

Main Results:

• Animal studies show neuronal responses to alternating currents.
• Neural network simulations and physics principles explain oscillation modulation.
• Computational models predict current distribution in the brain.
• Human studies provide insights into physiological and behavioral effects.

Conclusions:

• tACS and tRNS offer promising avenues for modulating brain oscillations.
• Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for therapeutic applications.
• Potential future use in treating neurological and psychiatric disorders.