MDS Podcast tDCS for Tourette syndrome
Mar 17, 2025
Join Dr. Davide Martino, a neurology professor and expert in neuromodulation, as he shares groundbreaking insights on using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to manage Tourette syndrome. He highlights the barriers in current treatments and compares tDCS with TMS, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness and patient ease. The discussion delves into how targeting the supplementary motor area has shown promise in reducing motor tics and urges. Tune in for a deep dive into innovative therapies shaping the future of Tourette care!
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How tDCS Works And Why It Matters
- tDCS uses weak constant current to modulate neuronal membrane potential rather than trigger action potentials.
- It's cheaper than TMS and potentially usable at home for repeated modulation and plasticity-based therapies.
Patient Experience And Practical Tips
- Expect only a mild scalp itch at tDCS onset that typically habituates within a minute.
- Use sufficient conductive gel and stable electrode positioning to minimize redness and discomfort.
Why Target The Supplementary Motor Area
- The supplementary motor area (SMA) is hyperexcitable before tic onset and shows increased connectivity with basal ganglia.
- These features make the SMA a logical inhibitory target for neuromodulation in Tourette syndrome.