tDCS Mechanisms
Conditions
Brief summary
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.
Interventions
DEVICEbrain stimulation
tDCS and peripheral nerve stimulation
Sponsors
KU Leuven
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* good general health
Exclusion criteria
* Epilepsy or family history of epilepsy * Migraine * Allergic to lidocaine or benzocaine * Pregnant * History of or currently suffering from: * neurological diseases * psychiatric diseases, depression or anxiety (Annex B and Annex C) * History of: * brain surgery * brain thrombosis * cerebral hemorrhage * severe head trauma * meningitis * long period of loss of consciousness (\> 1 hour) * Metal parts in the head or upper body: * Defibrillator, implanted medication pump * Metal prosthesis in ear, hart, … * Deep brain stimulator * Coronary bypass or intracranial or aneurysm clips (brain arteries, aorta, etc.)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Analogue Scale | 30 minutes during stimulation | Rate sensation from 0 ('I feel nothing') to 10 ('Stimulation is painful') |
| Reaction time | 20 minutes during tDCS stimulation | Reaction time on the motor learning task |
| Amplitudes of event related potentials | during tDCS | ERP during stimulation |
| Pupil dilations | during peripheral nerve stimulation | pupil diameter during stimulation |
Countries
Belgium
Contacts
Primary ContactMyles Mc Laughlin, professor
Outcome results
None listed