Understanding the Neural Mechanisms Behind Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

The aim of the study is to investigate the neural mechanisms underpinning transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive neuromodulation technique in which a direct current is passed through scalp electrodes. A series of experiments will be conducted to understand and characterize the transcranial and transcutaneous mechanisms of tDCS. To investigate this research question, every participant will undergo three stimulation conditions (active, sham and control). In the control condition, an anaesthetic cream will be applied to anaesthetize the nerves in the scalp. In addition, the effectiveness of tDCS and peripheral nerve stimulation will be compared. Ultimately, the obtained knowledge can lead to the development of improved non-invasive neuromodulation therapies, which can lead to more effective treatments of a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders.