Trans-Cranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) explained - What is tDCS & what are the benefits?

Summary

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain treatment that uses a mild electric current to stimulate brain activity, offering potential benefits for conditions like depression, brain injury, chronic pain, and stroke. Unlike shock therapy, tDCS involves a low current and is painless, with most patients experiencing only mild sensations. Research shows that tDCS is safe and effective when combined with targeted exercises. The Perth Brain Center specializes in tDCS, using advanced EEG technology to customize treatments for optimal results, helping thousands of people improve their brain health over more than a decade.

Takeaways

• 😀 Everything we think, feel, and do is influenced by billions of neurons in our brain.
• 😀 Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that can change the activity of these neurons.
• 😀 tDCS uses a small electric current, about 1,000 times less than electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), to stimulate the brain.
• 😀 tDCS treatment is safe and painless, with most people feeling a mild warming, tingling, or itching sensation during the session.
• 😀 tDCS treatment involves placing small sponge electrodes over specific brain regions and delivering a mild current using soft bands.
• 😀 tDCS has been shown to be helpful for treating conditions such as depression, brain injury, chronic pain, dementia, fibromyalgia, migraines, and stroke.
• 😀 Research indicates that tDCS may provide better results when combined with specific activities or exercises during and after treatment.
• 😀 The PERT Brain Center uses specialized brain scans (cue EEG) to target tDCS treatments and optimize results for each patient.
• 😀 Most people benefit from an intensive treatment program at the PERT Brain Center over a few weeks, with noticeable improvements often reported after just a few sessions.
• 😀 The Perth Brain Center has over 10 years of experience and has helped thousands of people with tDCS treatment, supported by a team of skilled healthcare professionals.

Q & A

What is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)?

tDCS is a type of non-invasive brain stimulation that uses a small electric current to alter the activity of neurons in the brain. It is distinct from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as it uses a much weaker current.

How does tDCS work during treatment?

During tDCS treatment, small sponge electrodes are placed on specific areas of the brain, delivering a mild electric current. The electrodes are held in place by soft bands, and the current stimulates the brain without causing harm.

Is tDCS painful during the procedure?

No, tDCS treatment is not painful. Most people report only a mild sensation such as warming, tingling, or itching during the session.

How does tDCS differ from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

tDCS is completely different from ECT as it uses a current about 1,000 times weaker. ECT involves a much stronger electrical shock to the brain, whereas tDCS is a gentle, non-invasive treatment.

What conditions can tDCS help treat?

tDCS has shown promise in treating conditions such as depression, brain injury, chronic pain, dementia, fibromyalgia, migraines, and stroke.

What role do specific activities or exercises play during tDCS treatment?

Research suggests that engaging in specific activities or exercises during and after tDCS treatment can help further retrain the brain and improve the results of the therapy.

How is tDCS treatment customized for each patient?

At the Perth Brain Center, tDCS treatment is tailored using specialized brain scans, known as cue EEG, to target the most effective areas of the brain and improve outcomes.

What is the typical duration of tDCS treatment at the Perth Brain Center?

The treatment at the Perth Brain Center typically involves an intensive program over a few weeks, with many patients reporting improvements after only a few sessions.

How long has the Perth Brain Center been using tDCS treatment?

The Perth Brain Center has been using tDCS for over 10 years and has helped thousands of people during that time.

What type of healthcare professionals are involved in tDCS treatment at the Perth Brain Center?

The Perth Brain Center has a team of experienced healthcare professionals who are skilled in using tDCS to treat various conditions and help patients improve their brain health.