NEW THERAPY: tDCS

Given that:

1. I own a custom built desktop with a fixed drive of 1 terabytes of capacity, second generation Intel processor (i5) and the fastest Verizon DSL internet connection I ever had
2. I spend an average of 14 hours each day working and researching with it

Yesterday I received a very interesting email reply from a MD researcher at Neuroskills who introduced me for the very first time to what's called Trans cranial Direct Current Stimulation that basically uses low electrical current (few Volts) to stimulate the brain area and its plasticity where the electrodes are positioned  (look at my links here below)

The Effect of Trans cranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with Functional Task Training on Motor Recovery in TBI Survivors.

Various approaches have been used by researchers to facilitate motor recovery in patients undergoing rehabilitation. Among others, trans cranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is of particular interest because of its ability to facilitate motor recovery and ease of use. The hypothesis is that coupling trans cranial direct current stimulation with functional task training will enhance the effect on motor recovery in TBI survivors.  The learning of new skills (that is accompanied by behavioral changes) is linked to changes in neuronal activity and excitability. Successful manipulation of cortical excitability to improve learning processes has been demonstrated in humans in neuro-pharmacological investigations, with TMS, and with differentiation of adjacent or contralateral body parts. tDCS presents an interesting alternative to these approaches because it is non-invasive, painless (compared to TMS and differentiation), and without serious side effects (compared to pharmacological agents).  Its purpose is to demonstrate that tDCS combined with upper-extremity functional task training in a virtual environment, is more effective than functional task training in the virtual environment with sham tDCS. Now I'm looking forward to see my new neurologist to ask if Cottage hospital offers this therapy while I'm learning as much as possible about it, especially in the benefits related to motor functions.(= I'll be walking again!!!)

1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3342413/
2. http://www.burke.org/research/research-focus/ebi-recovery-program
3. http://pmr.hms.harvard.edu/pages/10/84/
4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21691215
5. http://srh-mal.net/case/the-effect-of-transcranial-direct-current-stimulation-combined-with-functional-task-training-on-motor-recovery-in-traumatic-brain-injury-survivors/
6. http://www.transcranialbrainstimulation.com/

I'll also become smarter! (daaaahhhh)