Abstract
Introduction: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive, technique for brain stimulation. Anodal stimulation causes neuronal depolarisation and long-term potentiation, while cathodal stimulation causes hyperpolarisation and long-term depression. Stressors are associated with an increase in sympathetic cardiac control, a decrease in parasympathetic control, or both. Associated with these reactions is a frequently reported increase in Low Frequency (LF) Heart Rate Variability (HRV), a decrease in High Frequency (HF) power, and/or an increase in the LF/HF ratio. Objectives and aims: The present work aims to explore the tDCS potential in the modulation of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), through indirect stimulation of Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC). Methods: Two subjects, a 39 year old female and a 49 year old male, gave informed consent. Saline soaked synthetic sponges involving two, thick, metalic (stainless steel) rectangles, with an area of 25 cm2 each have been used as electrodes, connected to Iomed Phoresor II Auto device. It has been delivered a 2 mA current, for 20 minutes, over the left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC) (Anode). Spectrum analysis (cStress software) of HRV has been performed before and after tDCS administration. Results: The female/male subject results of LF power, HF power and LF/HF ratio, before tDCS administration, were, respectively: 50.1 nu/60 nu, 46.1 nu/21.7 nu and 1.087/2.771; and, after tDCS administration, respectively: 33.5 nu/52.7 nu, 47.6 nu/ 22.8 nu and 0.704/2.312. Conclusions: tDCS over the left DLPFC (left ACC) increased parasympathetic activity and decreased sympathetic activity, suggesting the importance of tDCS in the management of stress-related disorders.
Highlights
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation is a non-invasive, technique for brain stimulation
Stressors are associated with an increase in sympathetic cardiac control, a decrease in parasympathetic control, or both
The present work aims to explore the Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) potential in the modulation of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), through indirect stimulation of Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC)
Summary
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a simple, non-invasive, technique for brain stimulation that induces prolonged functional changes in the cerebral cortex [1]; essentially it consists in delivering for a few minutes a weak direct current (below the perceptual threshold) over the scalp: the resulting constant electric field penetrates the skull and influences neuronal function. The tDCS is a form of neurostimulation that may be used to safely treat a variety of clinical conditions including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Tourettes disease, Alzheimer’s disease, migraine, and central and neuropathic chronic pain. It can relieve the symptoms of narcotic withdrawal and reduce cravings for drugs, including nicotine and alcohol. The active treatment group showed a significantly greater reduction in depression scores on the post-treatment HDRS and BDI as compared to the sham treatment group (70% versus 30%, respectively)
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