TDCS-KIT
| TDCS KIT | |
|---|---|
| [[File: File:TDCS kit tDCS kit |
|
| Category | Brain stimulation |
| Developer | www.tdcs-kit.com |
| Announced | unknown |
| Released | Developers: unknown
Consumers: unknown |
| Price | 39.95 USD |
| Max output | 22 T 2 mA 0.002 A mA |
| Session duration | 2020 s 0.333 minute min |
| Scalp location | temple |
| Weight | g unknown |
| Controls |
switch |
| Data available | limited |
| Risk factor | moderate |
| Medical prescription | no |
| www.tdcs-kit.com | |
The Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation kit (TDCS-kit) is a specific model of an electronic device used to help patients with brain injuries or psychiatric conditions like major depressive disorder. [1] The functionality of the device is based on the method known as Transcranial direct-current stimulation, which the brain and particular neurons are stimulated by, with a constant current via electrodes mounted on the scalp. [2]
The kit is delivered as do it yourself (DYI) solution and must be assembled by the customer. The reseller also disclaims all of responsibility and consequences caused by using the device.[3]
Contents
Main characteristics
Purpose
Company & People
Important Dates
Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment
Ethical & Health Issues
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) kit is a simple means of brain stimulation, which is relatively safe, inexpensive and effective, but in fact, there are some ethical and health issues related to the device. There is currently no evidence of serious side-effects by using tDCS kit, but 'there are still significant potential risks of misusing this device, and its long-term effects on the brain have not been fully explored,' [1]
These kits are widely available without medical prescription and the users of DIY devices may not have sufficient knowledge on the structure of brain to place the electrodes accurately, what can cause unintended effects. Reversing of anodal and cathodal electrodes placement could lead to other results and there is a risk of brain impairment. [2] This could be a problem by left-handed people, who have the hemispheres in the oposite way. Using this method without medical supervision can influence other treatment that DIY users are undergoing. [2] These problems are related with the current lack of regulation. In this case, the users can have the impression, that there are no significant risks associated with buying and using this device. Thus the solution of these ethical problems is the cognitive enhancement devices to be regulated in the same way as medical devices.[3] 'A response to the policy and regulatory aspects of tDCS is urgently needed.'[4]'Some neurostimulation devices are already classified and regulated as medical devices by FDA. For example, in 2011, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation.'[1]
And last but not least using of tDCS kit like a form of human cognitive enhancement could change human psyche, this could be deemed as an intervention in human nature. That influences social status and many other issues related to it.
According to the study, in which the users of tDCS kits were asking about the side effects, was experiented headache, sickness, fatigue, nervousness, visual perceptual changes, acute mood changes, difficulties in concentration, sleeping disturbance and itching or burning under the electrodes. [1] Just as the positive effects on cognitive functions are these side effects very individual and there can be also placebo effects.
The users of tDCS device kits should obtain detailed information about the mechanisms, risks and effects (including the side effects) of the device, but this information are not described by the seller, who also disclaims all of responsibility and consequences caused by using the device.[5] On the website of the seller, there is no manual, which warns that those under 20 and those with existing health conditions such as epilepsy should not use the device. Nick Davis from Swansea University, explains that because the brain continues to develop until the age of 20, stimulation in this age group would have a stronger impact.[6]
Public & Media Impact and Presentation
The amount of information on tDCS available to the public has increased dramatically in recent years in both academic literature and print media articles.[4]
Public Policy
Related Technologies, Projects or Scientific Research
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 JWA, Anita. Early adopters of the magical thinking cap: a study on do-it-yourself (DIY) transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) user community. Journal of Law and the Biosciences [online]. 2015, 2(2), 292-335 [2016-11-07]. DOI: 10.1093/jlb/lsv017. ISSN 20539711. Available at: http://jlb.oxfordjournals.org/lookup/doi/10.1093/jlb/lsv017
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 FITZ, Nicholas S and Peter B REINER. The challenge of crafting policy for do-it-yourself brain stimulation. Journal of Medical Ethics [online]. 2015, 41(5), 410-412 [2016-11-07]. DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2013-101458. ISSN 0306-6800. Available at: http://jme.bmj.com/lookup/doi/10.1136/medethics-2013-101458
- ↑ MASLEN, Hannah, Tom DOUGLAS, Roi Cohen KADOSH, Neil LEVY a Julian SAVULESCU. Do-it-yourself brain stimulation: a regulatory model. Journal of Medical Ethics [online]. 2015, 41(5), 413-414 [2016-11-07]. DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2013-101692. ISSN 03066800. Available at: http://jme.bmj.com/lookup/doi/10.1136/medethics-2013-101692
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 DUBLJEVIĆ, Veljko, Victoria SAIGLE a Eric RACINE. The Rising Tide of tDCS in the Media and Academic Literature. Neuron [online]. 2014, 82(4), 731-736 [2016-11-07]. DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2014.05.003. ISSN 08966273. Available at: http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0896627314003894
- ↑ Available online at: http://www.tdcs-kit.com/
- ↑ DAVIS, Nick J. Transcranial stimulation of the developing brain: a plea for extreme caution. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience [online]. 2014, 8, - [2016-11-08]. DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2014.00600. ISSN 16625161. Available at: http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fnhum.2014.00600/abstract
