Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Rehabilitation
≈ ¥200-500
(≈ $30-70)
20 min
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Description
Estimated cost for Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation at general public hospitals in China is about ¥140-400, and at Grade 3A hospitals about ¥200-500, varying by hospital tier and region.
Main Uses
Primary clinical and research applications include: adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder (especially treatment-resistant depression), cognitive rehabilitation in stroke and traumatic brain injury, modulation of motor cortex excitability in Parkinson’s disease and chronic pain syndromes, enhancement of working memory and attention in healthy aging and ADHD, and experimental use in addiction, anxiety, and schizophrenia — always as part of multimodal therapy under professional supervision.
Normal Range
tDCS is not a diagnostic laboratory test with quantitative 'values' or reference ranges; it is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique. Parameters are set by the clinician and include: current intensity (typically 1–2 mA), session duration (20–30 minutes), electrode size (25–35 cm²), and electrode placement (e.g., F3/F4, C3/C4 per 10–20 EEG system). No biological 'normal range' exists for tDCS output — safety thresholds are defined by international guidelines (e.g., ≤2 mA, ≤30 min, current density ≤0.08 mA/cm²).
Low Values - Possible Causes
Low perceived or measured stimulation effect may result from: 1) Subthreshold current intensity (<1 mA), 2) Inadequate electrode contact or high skin impedance, 3) Incorrect electrode placement (e.g., misaligned montages), 4) Insufficient session duration (<15 min), 5) Individual neuroanatomical variability (e.g., skull thickness, cortical atrophy).
High Values - Possible Causes
Excessive or unintended stimulation effects may arise from: 1) Current intensity exceeding 2 mA (off-label/unapproved), 2) Prolonged session duration (>30 min), 3) Small electrode size leading to elevated current density (>0.08 mA/cm²), 4) Use of conductive gels/solutions with uncontrolled ion concentration, 5) Concurrent use with other neuromodulatory agents (e.g., certain medications lowering seizure threshold).