Therapy · Brain health technique
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
Evidence grade: Experimental
A portable, low-intensity brain stimulation technique delivering weak electrical current (1–2 mA) through scalp electrodes to modulate neuronal excitability in targeted cortical regions.
- Practice
- Therapy
- Principle
- Treatment
- Tactic
- Brain-directed & Cognitive
- Evidence grade
- Experimental
- Strength of evidence
- Low
How to practice Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
Use only under research or medical supervision. Typical protocols involve 20–30 minutes of stimulation for 5–10 sessions. Consumer-grade devices lack consistent current control and safety validation. Not recommended for self-administration outside structured clinical programs.
The evidence behind Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
Small RCTs show modest cognitive and mood improvements, but results are inconsistent. Mechanism: shifts resting membrane potential to increase or decrease neuronal firing probability. Meta-analyses highlight variable protocols and limited reproducibility. Early promise in depression, stroke, and mild cognitive impairment, but no established standard of care.
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