Background and Aim: Approximately 20% of general population is struggling with tinnitus. Recent theories on tinnitus are mainly based on impairments in the central auditory system that can lead to tinnitus. Recent studies have shown that tinnitus is not simply a result of the involvement of one brain region or pathway; but it can be caused by simultaneous involvement of multiple brain regions. Due to lack of information about the tinnitus etiology, site, and pathophysiology, there is still no any specific and common method for its management. In recent years, neuromodulation techniques such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been proposed for management of tinnitus. In this study, we aimed to review the role of tDCS in tinnitus management. Recent Findings: Based on the inclusion criteria, 7 eligible articles were selected for review. Most of them showed the beneficial effects of tDCS on tinnitus management. Conclusion: The tDCS can be an effective technique for management of tinnitus. One of the main challenges for using tDCS in tinnitus patients is the differnce in stimulation parameters; therefore, more studies are recommended for obtaining its ideal parameters.

Objective: Changes in cortical excitability and neuroplasticity are important parts of the neuropathology and pathophysiology of many neuropsychiatric disorders. Noninvasive brain stimulation is a high-potential therapeutic approach to modify cortical activities. One of the most popular of these techniques is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). However, the biological and neurobiological effects of tDCS should be better clarified to enable its optimal use in clinical and therapeutic practices. In this paper, we summarize the neurophysiological and physiological effects and mechanisms of action of tDCS. Method: An update literature review was conducted on the biological responses of tDCS reported in human, in vitro and in vivo studies, with a focus on cellular cascades related to neuroplasticity, neuronal reorganization and inflammation caused by applied direct current electric fields. Results: The regulatory mechanisms of tDCS on motor and cognitive functions can be described by membrane polarization and transmembrane potential with a main subsequent effect on neurotransmission systems, neuronal excitability, synaptic microenvironment and neuronal connectivity to neuronal reorganization and neurogenesis in association with synaptic plasticity as well as inflammatory processes. In general, the effects of tDCS may include acute-or after-effects and direct or indirect effects and can be examined at different levels including the neurochemical, the neuroelectrical and the brain oscillatory levels. Conclusion: A deep understanding of the molecular and cellular responses to tDCS is very important and crucial. This therapeutic technique can be utilized in various clinical trials with a perspective of being routinely suggested and presented to patients with different pathological conditions influencing the central or peripheral nervous system.

Background: Food craving is a strong temptation and motivation to eat foods. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive method of stimulating or inhibiting specific areas in the cortex of brain. In this study we investigated the efficacy of tDCS on patients with food craving. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 30 patients with food craving. The intervention group (15 patients) received 2mA direct electrical stimulation for 20 minutes. The control group (15 patients) only received sham tDCS. The patients were assessed using standardized Food Craving Questioner (FCQ-S, FCQ-T). Results: There was no significant difference in the mean FCQ-T and FCQ-S scores between the two study groups. After the study, the mean FCQ-T score was significantly lower in the intervention group as compared to the control group. Similarly, the mean FCQ-S score in the intervention group was lower than the control group, and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, tDCS showed to be efficient in controlling food craving.