Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: Bridging Bioengineering and Neuroscience for Brain Health

Dear Colleagues,

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a promising non-invasive neuromodulation technique with applications in neuroscience, rehabilitation, and neuropsychiatry. By delivering low-intensity electrical currents to the scalp, tDCS can modulate cortical excitability and influence brain function in a manner that has significant implications for both basic neuroscience research and clinical practice.

Recent advances in neuroimaging, computational modeling, and electrophysiological studies have expanded our understanding of the mechanisms underlying tDCS effects, from cellular-level modulation to network-level plasticity. At the same time, innovative applications of tDCS are being explored for conditions such as stroke rehabilitation, neurodegenerative disorders, pharmacoresistant pain, or mental health treatment. Despite these advancements, critical questions remain regarding optimal stimulation parameters, interindividual variability, and long-term effects, highlighting the need for continued interdisciplinary research.

This Special Issue on "Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: Bridging Bioengineering and Neuroscience for Brain Health" invites original research articles and comprehensive reviews that explore the latest developments in tDCS. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Neurophysiological mechanisms of tDCS at the cellular and network levels;
• Computational modeling and optimization of tDCS parameters;
• Innovations in electrode design and stimulation protocols;
• tDCS applications in neurorehabilitation, neuropsychiatry, cognitive neuroscience and pain;
• Synergistic effects of tDCS with neuroimaging, neurofeedback, or other neuromodulation techniques;
• Interindividual variability in tDCS efficacy and predictors of response;
• Safety considerations and long-term effects of repeated tDCS exposure.

We encourage contributions from a wide range of disciplines, including neuroscience, biomedical engineering, psychology, physiotherapy, and clinical medicine, to foster a comprehensive discussion on the future of tDCS research and its translation into real-world applications.

Prof. Dr. Josué Fernández-Carnero
Dr. Víctor Navarro López
Guest Editors

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