Table 1.

Fundamentals of tDCS

• Typically, two electrodes are placed on the scalp, one over the area of interest (e.g. motor cortex), and current flows between them  • Typical sensations include tingling, prickling and itching of the scalp as the current intensity ramps up  • Sham stimulation can be effectively applied by ramping up stimulation for a short period, then turning it off  • Current direction, duration and intensity all require consideration  • Anodal tDCS typically enhances cortical excitability and reduces inhibition, cathodal tDCS typically suppresses excitability  • tDCS can be delivered at rest or during a task, e.g. motor training  • Effects can be seen during and after tDCS  • Single session effects can be seen, or cumulative effects over multiple sessions