Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Modulation of Affect and Pain

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is an experimental manipulation of brain circuitry using electrical current applied to the scalp. The equipment is commercially available (StarStim8, Neuroelectrics, Spain) and marketed for experimental research on brain function. Current is applied at 2 mA for 20 minutes. Electrodes are placed on the C3 and FP2 regions. There is a 30-second ramp-up and 30-second ramp-down of stimulation for each tDCS condition to minimize any discomfort during stimulation. In the anodal condition, real tDCS stimulation enters from the C3 electrode, and exits at the FP2 electrode.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is an experimental manipulation of brain circuitry using electrical current applied to the scalp. The equipment is commercially available (StarStim8, Neuroelectrics, Spain) and marketed for experimental research on brain function. Current is applied at 2 mA for 20 minutes. Electrodes are placed on the C3 and FP2 regions. There is a 30-second ramp-up and 30-second ramp-down of stimulation for each tDCS condition to minimize any discomfort during stimulation. In the cathodal condition, real tDCS stimulation enters from the FP2 electrode, and exits at the C3 electrode.

This is the sham (or placebo) tDCS intervention. The tDCS device is applied for one minute, for a 30-second ramp-up and 30-second ramp-down of stimulation.