T014 A brain network perspective on tDCS induced neuroplasticity: Single versus dual or multiple sites stimulation

Abstract

It is becoming increasingly recognized that many behavioral indicators of neurological and psychiatric disease are not solely the result of abnormality in one isolated brain region but represent alterations in functionally connected regions of the brain networks. In this context, brain networks become the target of neuromodulatory interventions such as transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) for induction of neuroplastic changes within the brain. Advances in different neuroimaging techniques are letting us to non-invasively visualize brain networks in humans during different behavioral tasks with high degree of resolution. Furthermore, new technologies have also become available today which support stimulation of more than one regions the brain networks. However, due to non-local effects of tDCS, which are caused by propagation effects of the applied currents and structural and functional connectivities between regions of a network, defining the ideal configuration of a dual or multi-site stimulation is complicated. Full potential of this targeting approach requires the ability to simultaneously excite or inhibit multiple sites across the surface of the cortex. In this presentation we intended to stimulate the continuing efforts in understanding the optimal configuration of dual or multi-site tDCS in induction of the neuroplastic changes in primary motor cortex. It also aims to broaden the attention not only to the researchers who are currently working on these areas but to the general scientific audience who are interested in the brain structures and functions as well.