What is an electrical brain stimulation?

Electric brain stimulation (EBS) is a form of electrotherapy that uses electrical current to stimulate neurons in the brain. The procedure is also referred to in some circles as focal stimulation of the brain (FBS). Electric brain stimulation is used in neurosurgery, experimental research and treatment of psychological disorders. Unconventional applications of electric brain stimulation include improved certain cognitive skills.

The procedure was first introduced at the beginning of the 19th century, when scientists began to study the location of the brain function. This led to the discovery that the nerves and muscles were electrically exciting. In the following century, the invention of the stereotactic method and the development of chronic electrode implants helped to improve the stimulation of electric brain. The stimulator sends electrical pulses to the electrodes at the tip of the conductor. DBS is an optional neurosurgical procedure performed by neurosurgones that are trained in functional stereotactic techniques. The procedure is used, among other things, to treatParkinson's diseases, obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) and dystonia.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), another type of electrical brain stimulation, is a procedure that briefly causes seizures using electric current from the scalp to the brain. It is used to treat patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other mental diseases. Studies have also shown that ECT has a higher success in the treatment of depression than any other form of treatment; However, it is only used when all other options have been exhausted. ECT is usually administered over six to 12 treatment, two to three times a week, and usually a number of drugs follow.

Magnetic seizure therapy (MST) is considered a safer ECT form. In ECT, the scalp and the skull twisted the flow of electricity, limiting the control over the current span. On the other side of the MST magnetic fields enter the brain unlimited, allowing better control over OBlast stimulation and initiation of seizures. It was developed to reduce the cognitive side effect of ECT through the induction of focal seizure in the prefrontal cortex.

Studies

Studies have found that the stimulation of an electric brain can increase the mathematical performance of a person for up to six months without affecting other cognitive functions. Scientists use the form of electrical brain stimulation called transcranial stimulation of direct current (TDCS), non -invasive techniques in which the brain is often used over time to improve or reduce neuronal activity. Other TDC applications are constantly being examined when improving cognitifunction in.