Combining transcranial direct current stimulation and neuroimaging: novel insights in understanding neuroplasticity

Venkatakrishnan A, Sandrini M. Combining transcranial direct current stimulation and neuroimaging: novel insights in understanding neuroplasticity. J Neurophysiol 107: 1-4, 2012. First published August 10, 2011; doi: 10.1152/jn.00557.2011.-In recent years, noninvasive brain stimulation techniques like transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have gained immense popularity owing to their effects on modulating cortical activity and consequently motor and cognitive performance. However, the neurophysiology underlying such neuroplastic changes is less understood. This article critically evaluates the contemporary approach of combined tDCS and neuroimaging as a means to provide novel insights in understanding the neurophysiological and neuroplastic processes modulated by this brain stimulation technique. We end by briefly suggesting further lines of inquiry.