Understanding the Neural Mechanisms Behind tDCS

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: tDCS Mechanisms

In brief

The aim of the study is to investigate the neural mechanisms underpinning transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive neuromodulation technique in which a direct current is passed through scalp electrodes. A series of experiments will be conducted to understand and characterize the transcranial and transcutaneous mechanisms of tDCS. To investigate this research question, every participant will undergo three stimulation conditions (active, sham and control). In the control condition, an anaesthetic cream will be applied to anaesthetize the nerves in the scalp. In addition, the effectiveness of tDCS and peripheral nerve stimulation will be compared. Ultimately, the obtained knowledge can lead to the development of improved non-invasive neuromodulation therapies, which can lead to more effective treatments of a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT04577677

Run by

KU Leuven

People needed

130

Starts

2020-09-01

Expected to finish

2024-12-31

Last updated by the study team

2024-08-30

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 40. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• good general health

You may not qualify if…

• Epilepsy or family history of epilepsy
• Migraine
• Allergic to lidocaine or benzocaine
• Pregnant
• History of or currently suffering from:
• neurological diseases
• psychiatric diseases, depression or anxiety (Annex B and Annex C)
• History of:
• brain surgery
• brain thrombosis
• cerebral hemorrhage
• severe head trauma
• meningitis
• long period of loss of consciousness (> 1 hour)
• Metal parts in the head or upper body:
• Defibrillator, implanted medication pump
• Metal prosthesis in ear, hart, …
• Deep brain stimulator
• Coronary bypass or intracranial or aneurysm clips (brain arteries, aorta, etc.)

Where it is running

• KULeuven — Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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