Article

For a few years, the non-invasive modulation of motor cortex has become the
centre of much attention because of its possible clinical impact. Among the
different mechanism allowing to modify motor-cortex excitability, transcranial
direct current stimulation (tDCS), with its efficacy and ease of use, plays a
major role. The aim of this review is to improve the understanding of the
underlying mechanisms of the tDCS effect in the field of rehabilitation. The
mechanisms underlying tDCS effects when applied over the motor cortex differ
depending on the polarity used. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying these effects
differ during stimulation (per-stimulation) and after the end of it
(after-effects). This review highlights the known mechanisms involved in tDCS
effects on brain excitability and illustrates that most remain not well
understood and debated. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the mode of
action of tDCS and determine the best paradigm of stimulation depending on the
goals.
CI - Copyright (c) 2015. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Langue : ANGLAIS