title: Transcranial current brain stimulation (tCS): models and technologies.
abstract: In this paper, we provide a broad overview of models and technologies pertaining to transcranial current brain stimulation (tCS), a family of related noninvasive techniques including direct current (tDCS), alternating current (tACS), and random noise current stimulation (tRNS). These techniques are based on the delivery of weak currents through the scalp (with electrode current intensity to area ratios of about 0.3-5 A/m2) at low frequencies (typically < 1 kHz) resulting in weak electric fields in the brain (with amplitudes of about 0.2-2 V/m). Here we review the biophysics and simulation of noninvasive, current-controlled generation of electric fields in the human brain and the models for the interaction of these electric fields with neurons, including a survey of in vitro and in vivo related studies. Finally, we outline directions for future fundamental and technological research.
authors.affiliation: Starlab Neuroscience Research, Starlab Barcelona, 08022 Barcelona, Spain. giulio.ruffini@starlab.es
authors.forename: Giulio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ruffini
authors.forename: Fabrice
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wendling
authors.forename: Isabelle
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Merlet
authors.forename: Behnam
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Molaee-Ardekani
authors.forename: Abeye
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mekonnen
authors.forename: Ricardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Salvador
authors.forename: Aureli
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Soria-Frisch
authors.forename: Carles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Grau
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dunne
authors.forename: Pedro C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Miranda
mesh_terms: D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D000818:Animals; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D006801:Humans; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / Q000379:methods*