Excitability changes induced in the human motor cortex by weak transcranial direct current stimulation

Dados Bibliográficos

ID23337672
AutoresMichael A Nitsche (0000-0002-2207-5965, University of Göttingen, autor correspondente), Walter Paulus (0000-0001-5549-8377, University of Göttingen)
Ano2000
Volume527
Fascículo3
Páginas633-639
Data de publicação2000-09-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoThe Journal of Physiology (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0022-3751 • E-ISSN: 1469-7793
EditoraWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/j.1469-7793.2000.t01-1-00633.x
PMID10990547
OpenAlexW2097273459
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas83
Referências citadas25

In this paper we demonstrate in the intact human the possibility of a non-invasive modulation of motor cortex excitability by the application of weak direct current through the scalp. Excitability changes of up to 40 %, revealed by transcranial magnetic stimulation, were accomplished and lasted for several minutes after the end of current stimulation. Excitation could be achieved selectively by anodal stimulation, and inhibition by cathodal stimulation. By varying the current intensity and duration, the strength and duration of the after-effects could be controlled. The effects were probably induced by modification of membrane polarisation. Functional alterations related to post-tetanic potentiation, short-term potentiation and processes similar to postexcitatory central inhibition are the likely candidates for the excitability changes after the end of stimulation. Transcranial electrical stimulation using weak current may thus be a promising tool to modulate cerebral excitability in a non-invasive, painless, reversible, selective and focal way.

Brain stimulation · Excitatory postsynaptic potential · Inhibitory postsynaptic potential · Long-term potentiation · Motor cortex · Receptor · Stimulation · Tetanic stimulation · Transcranial alternating current stimulation · Transcranial direct-current stimulation · Transcranial magnetic stimulation · Chemistry · EEG and Brain-Computer Interfaces · Internal Medicine · Medicine · Neuroscience · Neuroscience and Neural Engineering · Psychology · Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Studies