As medical sciences have proved that brain Stimulation is an effective way to treat various medical conditions, people are more interested in understanding the concept and its potential benefits. At-home brain stimulation has become a norm as more and more people become aware of the scientific benefits. World’s first-ever brain stimulation therapy dates back to 1983, when Ugo Cerletti (1877–1963) revolutionized the medical field by introducing electroshock therapy, a revolutionary breakthrough that effectively treated debilitating mental disorders such as severe psychosis. And in the modern age, this therapy has gained on-trend. Let’s know more about the sciences behind it and if it’s really a good idea for DIYers to try at home.
Brain stimulation is a therapeutic technique that involves using electrical or magnetic energy to stimulate areas of the brain. It can treat various conditions, including depression, anxiety, chronic pain, movement disorders, and other neurological conditions.
In some cases, it may also be used as an adjunct therapy for cognitive issues such as memory problems or dementia. Two primary forms of brain stimulation exist Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and Deep-Brain Stimulation (DBS).
Both involve placing an electrode into the scalp, which is connected to a device that produces either electromagnetic fields or electrical current. The electrode then focuses on certain brain areas to produce specific results.
In rTMS treatments, short-term magnetic pulses are applied to the scalp and pass through the skin, stimulating neurons in the brain. In DBS treatments, electrodes are surgically implanted into specific brain parts and connected to a brain pacemaker device that delivers electrical signals to targeted brain areas.
Brain stimulation can treat various neurological conditions, including depression, anxiety, chronic pain, movement disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia. It is also an adjunct therapy for cognitive issues such as memory problems or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) .
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a form of neuromodulation that uses a low-intensity electrical current to stimulate the brain. The device seems like a Playstation controller, which you place on your scalp. It sends a steady, weak direct current through electrodes placed on the scalp, resulting in changes in neural activity in the underlying area.
It’s no doubt why people use it these days. The effects of these changes can be used for various medical and cognitive purposes. tDCS is noninvasive and generally safe, but some potential side effects should be considered before using it at home.
When using tDCS, two electrodes are placed on the scalp above areas of the brain that need to be stimulated. A low-intensity electric current then passes between them, stimulating activity in those areas. Depending on the intensity and duration of the stimulation, tDCS can induce activity changes that last from seconds to hours or even longer.
You can also enhance its effects by combining it with other interventions like medication or psychotherapy. The potential applications of tDCS include reducing symptoms of neurological and psychiatric disorders and promoting learning and creativity in healthy individuals.
While more research is needed to determine how effective it is at achieving these goals, there is evidence that it can positively affect certain conditions. The safety of tDCS has been established in numerous studies, but you must take some precautions before using it. These include avoiding stimulation over the eyes and heart, ensuring proper electrode placement, and using an adequate current intensity for the desired outcome.
You can buy at-home devices online, which typically range between $40 to approximately $500. They tend to be no larger than that of a remote control or smartphone; accessories such as batteries, head caps, straps, saline solutions, etc., which are needed for the emission of subtle electric pulses into the brain, may have to be purchased separately. With that said, they are portable, and you can use them almost anywhere at any time. Below are some potential benefits of using a brain stimulation device at home.
You can enhance your brain's cognitive abilities and overall functioning with the help of at-home brain stimulation devices. These devices provide targeted electrical stimulation to certain parts of your brain, which helps in activating neural pathways and improving your memory recall.
According to a study by the University of Alberta, it was found that stimulating the prefrontal cortex region of the brain can have a positive effect on concentration levels. This can be done by using low-intensity electrical stimulation devices like tDCS. The device sends low-level currents, which are programmed to target specific brain regions, thus helping you concentrate better.
The device is very simple to attach and easy to use at home; it can also help boost creative thinking skills by applying targeted electrical currents to areas of the prefrontal cortex associated with creativity. Eventually, it helps to increase the number of ideas and solutions generated, enabling you to develop creative solutions more easily.
You can also enhance your mood by applying electrical currents in emotional areas. Deep Brain Stimulation helps regulate dopamine production and serotonin levels, which are linked to moods.
The electric current provided to targeted brain areas helps regulate hormones like cortisol which is linked with stress and anxiety, thus helping to reduce these feelings. And reduced stress levels means you can sleep better with this piece of technology wrapped around your head.
Despite the potential benefits of at-home brain stimulation devices, some significant drawbacks exist.
These devices lack the same degree of oversight that a professional-administered treatment would have regarding dosage, safety protocols, and efficacy. Without proper guidance from trained professionals, users may be exposed to an increased risk of injury or even long-term health complications due to incorrect usage.
The Effectiveness of such devices can vary greatly depending on the individual's response to stimulation and how they use it. It is also important to note that most studies involving brain stimulation therapies have been conducted on small samples with limited follow-up periods - meaning that any results may not be representative of larger populations or sustained over a longer period.
At-home brain stimulation devices can be expensive and may not always be covered by insurance. This can make it difficult for those with limited resources to take advantage of these treatments. Furthermore, the cost of replacement parts or batteries may add up over time.
Using an at-home brain stimulation device takes significant time, and dedication since users must commit to regular use to see any results. It is important to factor in this added expense when considering treatment options.
Let's face the bitter reality for the better. There are some technical glitches involved with the at-home brain stimulation devices. These can lead to inaccurate readings and incorrect results, which in turn can impact the Effectiveness of treatment.
Let's cut to the chase and come straight to the point; As per research, you can lessen the symptoms of your diseases but don't cling to hope that it would cure your problems permanently. At-home deep brain stimulation devices are not meant to cure illnesses; they only help reduce the symptoms. It is important to remember that these techniques should be used in consultation with a medical professional and should not be seen as a replacement for traditional treatments.
Even though it's better than pharmaceutical drugs that often have many side effects, some people may still experience minor discomforts such as headaches or scalp irritation from using at-home brain stimulation devices. In addition, there is always the risk of incorrect usage leading to permanent damage or other severe complications. As such, following instructions closely and taking necessary precautions when using any electrical device on your head is essential.
Final Words
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a beneficial treatment that can help with various disorders affecting the mind. After other unsuccessful treatments, DBS may be employed as a last-ditch effort to reduce symptoms and treat diseases dramatically altering your quality of life. While it necessitates two or three surgical procedures, they are worth it due to their high effectiveness in treating disorders like Parkinson's disease and epilepsy; not to mention many others currently being explored with this therapy.
No, At-home deep brain stimulation devices are not meant to cure illnesses; they only help reduce the symptoms. It is important to remember that these techniques should be used in consultation with a medical professional and should not be seen as a replacement for traditional treatments.
Yes, there is always the risk of incorrect usage leading to permanent damage or other severe complications. It’s an important step to follow instructions thoroughly and take necessary precautions beforehand.
Yes, some people may still experience minor discomforts such as headaches or scalp irritation from using at-home brain stimulation devices. In addition, there is always the risk of incorrect usage leading to permanent damage or other severe complications.
Brain stimulation devices can be expensive and may not always be covered by insurance. This can make it difficult for those with limited resources to take advantage of these treatments. The cost of replacement parts or batteries may add up over time. It is best to consult with your insurance provider to determine if at-home brain stimulation devices are covered or what kind of coverage they provide.
