Difference between revisions of "TDCS-KIT"
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== Ethical & Health Issues == | == 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,' <ref>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 [cit. 2016-11-07]. DOI: 10.1093/jlb/lsv017. ISSN 20539711. Available at: http://jlb.oxfordjournals.org/lookup/doi/10.1093/jlb/lsv017</ref> | |
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. <ref.name=''Fitz, Reiner, 2013.''/> 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. <ref>FITZ, Nicholas S a Peter B REINER. The challenge of crafting policy for do-it-yourself brain stimulation. Journal of Medical Ethics [online]. 2015, 41(5), 410-412 [cit. 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 </ref> 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. Some neurostimulation devices are already classified and regulated as medical devices by FDA. For example, in 2011, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. 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. | 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. <ref.name=''Fitz, Reiner, 2013.''/> 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. <ref>FITZ, Nicholas S a Peter B REINER. The challenge of crafting policy for do-it-yourself brain stimulation. Journal of Medical Ethics [online]. 2015, 41(5), 410-412 [cit. 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 </ref> 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. Some neurostimulation devices are already classified and regulated as medical devices by FDA. For example, in 2011, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. 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. | ||
| − | The users of tDCS device kits, should obtain detailed information about the mechanisms, risks and effects (including the side effects) of the device. | + | The users of tDCS device kits, should obtain detailed information about the mechanisms, risks and effects (including the side effects) of the device. |
== Public & Media Impact and Presentation == | == Public & Media Impact and Presentation == | ||
Revision as of 23:30, 7 November 2016
| TDCS-KIT | |
|---|---|
| [[File:|250px]] | |
| 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. <ref.name=Fitz, Reiner, 2013./> 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. Some neurostimulation devices are already classified and regulated as medical devices by FDA. For example, in 2011, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. 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. The users of tDCS device kits, should obtain detailed information about the mechanisms, risks and effects (including the side effects) of the device.
Public & Media Impact and Presentation
Public Policy
Related Technologies, Projects or Scientific Research
References
- ↑ 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 [cit. 2016-11-07]. DOI: 10.1093/jlb/lsv017. ISSN 20539711. Available at: http://jlb.oxfordjournals.org/lookup/doi/10.1093/jlb/lsv017
- ↑ FITZ, Nicholas S a Peter B REINER. The challenge of crafting policy for do-it-yourself brain stimulation. Journal of Medical Ethics [online]. 2015, 41(5), 410-412 [cit. 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
