tDCS Program

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a type of noninvasive brain stimulation that can be used in the treatment of certain conditions. tDCS is used in different ways depending on the condition and treatment goal. For instance, it can help recovery from cognitive, motor, or speech and language problems from neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, dementia, and head injury. In this approach, tDCS is used together with cognitive, motor, or speech and language exercises to “boost” the recovery process.

Another common use of tDCS is for the treatment of depression. Daily sessions can have a cumulative benefit that many people find effective in improving their mood, cognitive difficulties, and ability to be physically active.

In 2019, NYU Langone launched its innovative tDCS Program, which provides a way for people to receive this treatment at home. Our tDCS sessions, which are tailored to your individual needs and therapeutic goals, take place through video visits in the NYU Langone Health app. Our team has more than a decade of experience studying tDCS as a home-based treatment. Using state-of-the art medical grade tDCS systems, our procedures ensure that your tDCS treatment is safe and well-tolerated.

Learn more about the tDCS clinical program team.

What to Expect During tDCS Treatment

Each tDCS treatment session takes place by video visit and is supervised by an NYU Langone technician. During the session you wear a comfortable headset fitted with electrodes that rest on your scalp. A low-grade electric current flows through the electrodes while you engage in a therapeutic activity designed to treat your condition. These activities may include cognitive rehabilitation games, speech and language training, physical therapy exercises, or psychological interventions such as mindfulness meditation. Depending on the condition being treated, tDCS is used to either increase or decrease brain activity in the region where the current is directed.

Each at-home session typically lasts 30 minutes. We generally recommend a minimum of 10 daily sessions to evaluate if you are experiencing benefits.

 

“The first day I tried tDCS, I started crying while doing my balance exercises—I couldn’t believe how well I was doing. Over the first week of treatment, everything I was working on improved significantly—both my vision therapist and my vestibular therapist were over the moon about my progress.”

M. Archer

Prior to the initial video visit, our team sends you all the equipment, including a custom headset. During a virtual intake visit we show you how to use the equipment and discusses your individual treatment plan.

tDCS is not currently covered by insurance, but your initial visit may be reimbursable. Our program offers bundled sessions to reduce the cost per session and the equipment is loaned to you as part of treatment.

Our Research and Clinical Trials

Researchers at NYU Langone lead the field in developing the use of tDCS and other emerging technologies to manage a range of cognitive, motor, and psychological symptoms and improve quality of life for the people who experience them. Learn more about our research efforts.

In addition, members of our team conduct clinical trials designed to determine additional conditions that may benefit from tDCS. We may discuss whether it is appropriate for you to participate in one of these trials.

Contact Us

For questions about our tDCS program or to learn whether it may be beneficial for you, call 929-455-5126. If you are a neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist, physical or occupational therapist, speech–language pathologist, or other provider and would like to refer a patient, please call 929-455-5126.