A range of clinical and experimental techniques used to directly or indirectly modulate neuronal activity in specific regions of the central nervous system. These interventions are primarily employed to treat neurological and psychiatric conditions, including depression, Parkinson’s disease, and chronic pain. Techniques vary widely, encompassing invasive methods like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and non-invasive approaches such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) or Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). The goal is to correct aberrant neural circuit function and restore balanced neurotransmission.
Origin
The concept traces its roots back to early physiological experiments demonstrating the electrical nature of the nervous system, but modern clinical application gained traction in the late 20th century. The term is descriptive, combining the anatomical target, ‘brain,’ with the action, ‘stimulation,’ which refers to activating or altering neural pathways. Advances in neuroimaging have refined the precision of targeting specific brain circuits.
Mechanism
Brain stimulation operates by delivering electrical currents or magnetic pulses to targeted neural tissue, thereby altering the excitability of neurons. DBS, for example, involves implanting an electrode that sends continuous electrical impulses to a specific brain area, blocking abnormal signals that cause symptoms like tremor. Non-invasive methods induce temporary changes in cortical excitability, promoting neuroplasticity and potentially modulating the release of key neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which profoundly influence mood and motor control.
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