Finite-Element Model Predicts Current Density Distribution for Clinical Applications of tDCS and tACS

Bibliographic Data

ID15528307
AuthorsToralf Neuling (0000-0001-7904-1806, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, corresponding author), Sven Wagner (0000-0003-3796-3444, University of Münster), Carsten H Wolters (0000-0001-6233-424X, University of Münster), Tino Zaehle (0000-0003-3673-4869, University Hospital Magdeburg), Christoph S Herrmann (0000-0003-0323-2272, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg)
Year2012
Volume3
Pages83-83
Publication date2012-01-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Psychiatry (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1664-0640 • E-ISSN: 1664-0640
PublisherFrontiers Media (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpsyt.2012.00083
PMID23015792
PMCIDPMC3449241
OpenAlexW2023886295
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited7

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been applied in numerous scientific studies over the past decade. However, the possibility to apply tDCS in therapy of neuropsychiatric disorders is still debated. While transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been approved for treatment of major depression in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), tDCS is not as widely accepted. One of the criticisms against tDCS is the lack of spatial specificity. Focality is limited by the electrode size (35 cm(2) are commonly used) and the bipolar arrangement. However, a current flow through the head directly from anode to cathode is an outdated view. Finite-element (FE) models have recently been used to predict the exact current flow during tDCS. These simulations have demonstrated that the current flow depends on tissue shape and conductivity. To face the challenge to predict the location, magnitude, and direction of the current flow induced by tDCS and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), we used a refined realistic FE modeling approach. With respect to the literature on clinical tDCS and tACS, we analyzed two common setups for the location of the stimulation electrodes which target the frontal lobe and the occipital lobe, respectively. We compared lateral and medial electrode configuration with regard to their usability. We were able to demonstrate that the lateral configurations yielded more focused stimulation areas as well as higher current intensities in the target areas. The high resolution of our simulation allows one to combine the modeled current flow with the knowledge of neuronal orientation to predict the consequences of tDCS and tACS. Our results not only offer a basis for a deeper understanding of the stimulation sites currently in use for clinical applications but also offer a better interpretation of observed effects

Brain stimulation · Current (fluid · Finite element method · Flow (mathematics · Geometry · Mechanics · Orientation (vector space · Physics · Stimulation · Transcranial alternating current stimulation · Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation · Transcranial magnetic stimulation · Advanced Neuroimaging Techniques and Applications · Computer Science · Functional Brain Connectivity Studies · Mathematics · Neuroscience · Psychology · Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Studies

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