Study Highlights Long-Term Effects of Anodal tDCS on Brain Chemistry and Energy Metabolism
Harshal Jayeshkumar Patel, Lea-Sophie Stollberg, Chang-Hoon Choi, Michael A. Nitsche, N. Jon Shah and Ferdinand Binkofski
13th December 2024
Researchers from INM-4 and RWTH Aachen have revealed new insights into how anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) affects brain chemistry and energy consumption. The study, which targeted the primary motor cortex, investigated long-term changes in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels and cerebral energy metabolism using advanced magnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques.
The key findings indicate that anodal tDCS significantly increased GABA concentrations and energy-related phosphate ratios (ATP/Pi and PCr/Pi) in the brain. Notably, these changes were shown to persist across both the first and second post-stimulation measurements. The study’s approach highlights the feasibility of monitoring these effects over time and contributes to a better understanding of neuroplasticity and energy dynamics in the brain.
This research holds promise for clinical applications of tDCS in managing neurological and psychiatric conditions, highlighting its potential to modulate brain function and support therapeutic interventions.
Original publication: A study of long-term GABA and high-energy phosphate alterations in the primary motor cortex using anodal tDCS and 1H/31P MR spectroscopy