Mechanisms and Controversies of tACS (Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation)

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Authors: Modolo, Julien, Zhang, Mengsen, Duprez, Joan, Frohlich, Flavio
Format: Preprint
Published: 2024
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author Modolo, Julien
Zhang, Mengsen
Duprez, Joan
Frohlich, Flavio
author_facet Modolo, Julien
Zhang, Mengsen
Duprez, Joan
Frohlich, Flavio
contents The use of small amplitude electric currents delivered through the scalp, termed transcranial current stimulation (tCS, tDCS / tACS when using DC / AC currents) holds considerable promise for developing safe and effective treatments for central nervous system disorders. Initially welcomed with skepticism due to significant gaps of knowledge in terms of neurophysiology and biophysical mechanisms, tCS is maturing as a technology while its mechanisms of action are gradually being elucidated. However, there remain open questions about the mechanisms of action that warrant clarification to bring tCS to its full potential. In this review focused on tACS, we make an attempt at providing an overview of the converging experimental evidence, from results obtained in various species, regarding the mechanisms of action. We also highlight the remaining points of uncertainty regarding potential confounds, and propose possible experimentally testable solutions to address those issues. Finally, we outline how a continued focus on deepening our understanding of tACS mechanisms might provide significant insights into fundamental, long-standing questions in neuroscience.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2410_05841
institution arXiv
publishDate 2024
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Mechanisms and Controversies of tACS (Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation)
Modolo, Julien
Zhang, Mengsen
Duprez, Joan
Frohlich, Flavio
Neurons and Cognition
The use of small amplitude electric currents delivered through the scalp, termed transcranial current stimulation (tCS, tDCS / tACS when using DC / AC currents) holds considerable promise for developing safe and effective treatments for central nervous system disorders. Initially welcomed with skepticism due to significant gaps of knowledge in terms of neurophysiology and biophysical mechanisms, tCS is maturing as a technology while its mechanisms of action are gradually being elucidated. However, there remain open questions about the mechanisms of action that warrant clarification to bring tCS to its full potential. In this review focused on tACS, we make an attempt at providing an overview of the converging experimental evidence, from results obtained in various species, regarding the mechanisms of action. We also highlight the remaining points of uncertainty regarding potential confounds, and propose possible experimentally testable solutions to address those issues. Finally, we outline how a continued focus on deepening our understanding of tACS mechanisms might provide significant insights into fundamental, long-standing questions in neuroscience.
title Mechanisms and Controversies of tACS (Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation)
topic Neurons and Cognition
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2410.05841