What is tDCS (Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation)?

Types of tDCS and How Much does tDCS Treatment Cost?

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses a weak electrical current to modulate brain activity. The cost of a single session typically ranges from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 or more.

What are the Types of tDCS Treatment and their Cost in India?    

In India, a typical course of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation usually involves 10-20 sessions over a 2 - 4 weeks. Each tDCS session usually lasts between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on the severity of the patient’s symptoms.

Here, we will discuss the different types of tDCS treatment and their costs in India. These are as follows:

Anodal tDCS

This type of stimulation uses a positive electrical current to depolarise neurons in the targeted areas of your brain. It is often associated with enhancing activity in the stimulated region. A single anodal tDCS session in India can range from Rs. 3000 to Rs. 6,000 or more.

Cathodal tDCS

Cathodal tDCS employs a negative electrical current, which hyperpolarises neurons, making them less likely to get activated. It is often described as inhibitory, potentially reducing normal activity in the stimulated region. In India, a single session of cathodal tDCS usually ranges from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 6,000 per session, depending on the complexity and severity of the condition.  

Sham tDCS

Sham tDCS stimulation involves delivering a brief initial current, then turning off the stimulation for the majority of the stimulation period. This creates a sensation of stimulation without the sustained current, allowing experts to distinguish the real effects of tDCS from placebo effects. A single session of Sham tDCS can cost somewhere between Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 6,000 or more in India.  

What are the Factors That Determine the Cost of tDCS Treatment?

The cost of transcranial direct stimulation treatment in India can depend on various factors, which we will discuss in this particular section. Let us explore these factors in detail:

1. Clinic Settings

• Specialised Clinics: Specialised clinics focus on neuromodulation or neuropsychiatry, which may charge higher fees due to their expertise and more advanced equipment. 
• General Hospitals: General hospitals might offer tDCS at a lower cost, but the level of specialised care might be different.

2. Treatment Protocol

• Number of Sessions: The total cost will directly increase with the number of tDCS sessions required for the treatment plan.  
• Session Duration: Longer sessions will naturally cost more than shorter sessions.
• Individualised Treatment Plans: Customisation of the treatment protocol for specific symptoms and brain regions may lead to higher costs.

3. Technology and Staff

• Equipment Quality: Modern, well-maintained, and certified tDCS equipment can influence the overall treatment cost.
• Staff Expertise: The experience and expertise of any clinician administering the treatment can also affect the price. 
• Personnel Costs: Time for setting up, administering, and monitoring the treatment may contribute to the increase in the overall cost.

tDCS treatment in India is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that may improve mental well-being and offer symptomatic relief in certain neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease or tremor. It is typically used as an adjunct to standard therapies. It is best to consult with a healthcare provider to get an accurate cost estimation, depending on the specific treatment requirements. 

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