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Challenges of proper placebo control for non‐invasive brain stimulation in clinical and experimental applications
Author(s) -
Davis Nick J.,
Gold Edward,
PascualLeone Alvaro,
Bracewell R. Martyn
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
european journal of neuroscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.346
H-Index - 206
eISSN - 1460-9568
pISSN - 0953-816X
DOI - 10.1111/ejn.12307
Subject(s) - brain stimulation , transcranial magnetic stimulation , neuroscience , stimulation , transcranial direct current stimulation , psychology , brain activity and meditation , transcranial alternating current stimulation , brain function , scalp , medicine , physical medicine and rehabilitation , electroencephalography , surgery
A range of techniques are now available for modulating the activity of the brain in healthy people and people with neurological conditions. These techniques, including transcranial magnetic stimulation ( TMS ) and transcranial current stimulation (t CS , which includes direct and alternating current), create magnetic or electrical fields that cross the intact skull and affect neural processing in brain areas near to the scalp location where the stimulation is delivered. TMS and t CS have proved to be valuable tools in behavioural neuroscience laboratories, where causal involvement of specific brain areas in specific tasks can be shown. In clinical neuroscience, the techniques offer the promise of correcting abnormal activity, such as when a stroke leaves a brain area underactive. As the use of brain stimulation becomes more commonplace in laboratories and clinics, we discuss the safety and ethical issues inherent in using the techniques with human participants, and we suggest how to balance scientific integrity with the safety of the participant.