Supervised transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) at home: A guide for clinical research and practice.

BACKGROUND

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a method of noninvasive neuromodulation and potential therapeutic tool to improve functioning and relieve symptoms across a range of central and peripheral nervous system conditions. Evidence suggests that the effects of tDCS are cumulative with consecutive daily applications needed to achieve clinically meaningful effects. Therefore, there is growing interest in delivering tDCS away from the clinic or research facility, usually at home.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a comprehensive guide to operationalize safe and responsible use of tDCS in home settings for both investigative and clinical use.

METHODS

Providing treatment at home can improve access and compliance by decreasing the burden of time and travel for patients and their caregivers, as well as to reach those in remote locations and/or living with more advanced disabilities.

RESULTS

To date, methodological approaches for at-home tDCS delivery have varied. After implementing the first basic guidelines for at-home tDCS in clinical trials, this work describes a comprehensive guide for facilitating safe and responsible use of tDCS in home settings enabling access for repeated administration over time.

CONCLUSION

These guidelines provide a reference and standard for practice when employing the use of tDCS outside of the clinic setting.