Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

tDCS or Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation is an effective therapy method enabling formation of selective effect of problem zone of CNS by receiving a small amount of electric current in the projection area. The method of micropolarization works by applying a positive (anodal) or negative (cathodal) current via electrodes to an area.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation assumes placement of electrodes on the following areas of cerebro-spinal axis:

• cortical (electrodes are placed in the projection of brain cord zones);
• segmental (electrodes are placed in the projection of the spinal cord areas).

tDCS of the brain enables targeted therapy for a variety of neurological pathologies.

tDCS when applied to the projective areas of the brain improves the speech, action, memory and speech-motor zones, strengthens connections in the nervous system tissues and improves functioning of the 1 and 2 signal systems of the brain, through which perception and processing of all signals from outside and formation of meaningful actions in response to the received signal.

Indications

tDCS performed at the «Center for Brain Stimulation» shows excellent results in the treatment of children's neurological and mental diseases. Direct indications for tDCS are CNS pathologies, head injury rehabilitation, consequences of perinatal encephalopathy; neuroinfectious brain diseases, stroke, and intoxication by cholinolytic agents.

Diseases:

tDCS at the «Center for Brain Stimulation» more often is carried out for the treatment of:

• autism;
• epilepsy;
• speech delay;
• memory disorders;
• sensorineural hearing loss;
• developmental delay;
• cerebral palsy or other CNS biogenic disorders.

Other problems such as Parkinson's disease, Asperger's syndrome, spastic tetraparesis, childhood mental retardation, cerebral vascular disorders, visual dysfunctions, enuresis, fecal incontinence, sense of smell, psycho-emotional disorders, stuttering, tics, strabismus, convulsive syndromes, scoliosis, hyperactivity should be considered for a course of micro-polarization procedures.

tDCS at the «Center for Brain Stimulation» is performed by experienced specialists using modern unique equipment in Ukraine.

Contraindications

In spite of noninvasive and painless tDCS, it has contraindications just like any other treatment method. When choosing such a method of treatment as tDCS, contraindications are determined individually for each patient, taking into account his/her condition and constitutional peculiarities.

General contraindications to tDCS are:

• fever;
• acute condition of infectious and inflammatory diseases of chronic form;
• presence of systemic diseases of connective tissue or blood;
• the period of acute infectious or inflammatory process in the body;
• the presence of tumor lesions in the patient's body;
• the presence of metal intracranial implants;
• individual intolerance to electric current;
• a recent vaccination;
• skin lesions in the area of exposure;
• severe cardiovascular pathologies (e.g. a severe form of cerebral atherosclerosis, stage III hypertension, etc.).

Besides, the doctors don’t recommend undertake tDCS treatment when taking strong psychotropic drugs, as well as treatment by the method of muscle electrical and vibrostimulation.

Diagnostics

Before prescribing tDCS the doctor refers the patient for diagnostics to clarify the condition at the time of the course of procedures, as well as for early recognition of possible contraindications.

Before tDCS the patient may be recommended to do:

• EEG;
• epileptologist consulttaion;
• MRT (if medically required).

Before the treatment all patients are needed Neurologist and Psychiatrist consultation.

Procedure

At the beginning of tDCS session the specialist puts a special helmet on the patient's head, on which electrodes are attached in the desired projection area. If the treatment is conducted on the spinal cord area, a belt with the same function is placed around the patient's torso. One therapy session lasts 20 minutes, and the duration of the course is determined by the doctor. During the session, the patient can feel free. If a child is being treated, he or she can play, read or work with a speech therapist during this time.

Effects

tDCS is one of the safest and most effective methods of treating disorders of metabolic processes in the brain. The method of tDCS provides an opportunity to accelerate delayed development of CNS functionality.

In young patients the main effects of tDCS after the first procedures are as follows:

• normalization of sleep;
• improvement of excitation and inhibition processes;
• reduction of seizure activity.

In order to achieve a stable effect of strengthening connections in the nervous system tissues, at least 10 sessions of tCDS procedures are required.

Advantages of the Method

tDCS has many advantages in comparison with the other techniques. Among them are:

1. No tissue trauma (non-invasive method).
2. Treatment is carried out without hospitalization.
3. Lack of negative side effects.
4. Minimal number of contraindications.
5. No risk of infection when undergoing a course of tDCS.

Advantages of tDCS at the «Center for Brain Stimulation»

1. Long-term result of a course of procedures.
2. tDCS is carried out using modern and newest equipment in Ukraine.
3. Consultations of experienced specialists, who constantly raise their qualification level at seminars and congresses.
4. Usage of only modern treatment protocols, which meet Ukrainian and international standards of medical care.
5. High level of confidentiality with regard to personal information of patients and responsibility for quality of provided medical services.
6. Efficiency of procedure: a positive effect can be observed after just 1 session.

Doctors

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation at the «Center for Brain Stimulation» is performed by qualified pediatric Neurologists, Olha Ivanivna Selezneva and Olha Hennadiyivna Kozubenko.

Do you consider examination of the child? Have you noticed any abnormalities in his/her development? Contact us and you will receive all necessary information about the procedure of tDCS, the price of consultations and procedures, and help you choose an appropriate time to visit the center.