Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS)

Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) is an electrical stimulation where a weak alternating current affects the functioning of the brain.

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Wanneer wordt het niet toegepast

What is it?

Is neuromodulation dangerous?

Like all other forms of tES, electrodes are placed on the scalp to stimulate a specific part of the brain. Only part of the administered current will reach the cerebral cortex, as the scalp and skull form a barrier with a lot of resistance. Nevertheless, the strength of the current that reaches the brain cells is sufficient to influence the functioning of the neurons.

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In contrast to direct current, alternating current changes direction continuously. The polarity change rate can be adjusted. That way, we can use slow and fast oscillations to influence neurons.

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Scientific research shows that the Alpha frequency (resting frequency) of the visual brain regions is enhanced when a TACS stimulation administers this specific frequency to the visual cortex.

How do we apply it?

Wanneer mag neuromodulatie niet worden toegepast?

By placing electrodes on the scalp, a specific part of the brain is stimulated. Because the scalp and skull provide resistance, only part of the administered current will reach the cerebral cortex. However, the strength of the current is just sufficient to influence the functioning of neurons.

TacS stimulation is not painful. During a TACS session, the patient sits in a comfortable chair.

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To achieve an effect, 2 to 3 stimulations per week are performed. Only after 5 to 6 sessions can it be evaluated whether the stimulation will influence the symptoms. A complete treatment consists of at least 8 to 12 stimulations. To maintain the effect, the frequency of the stimulations is gradually reduced after an intensive treatment period.

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At various points in the treatment process, the clinical effect is discussed during a follow-up consultation.
If necessary, a qEEG control will be carried out.

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