An Introduction to Neurotechnologies, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: Their Applications in the Cognitive Enhancement and Rehabilitation

Non-invasive brain stimulation technologies are a group of powerful tools that are exploited in manipulating functional properties of the brain. These technologies have a relatively long history in cognitive enhancement and rehabilitation, as well as in treating stress and depression. Of these technologies are transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). TMS technology works with producing magnetic fields emitted from a coil over the scalp to induce ion currents; however, in tDCS there is a direct connection of electrodes on the skin over the scalp to inject electrical currents yielding modulation in neural circuits.
In this review, we reviewed over the literature concerning applications of neurotechnologies, TMS and tDCS, in cognitive enhancement and rehabilitation.