Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation in multiple sclerosis: Recent findings of clinical studies and animal models

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) affecting millions worldwide, leading to significant disability. Current treatments focus on symptom management and reducing disease exacerbations. Noninvasive brain stimulation techniques such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have emerged as potential therapies due to their ability to modulate cortical excitability and neuroplasticity. This review explores the therapeutic potential of tDCS in MS patients by summarizing human and animal studies investigating its effects. Literature was systematically reviewed from inception to October 2024 using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Key findings include tDCS’s ability to alleviate symptoms such as pain, fatigue, cognitive impairment, and motor dysfunction in MS patients. Mechanistically, tDCS is proposed to influence neurotransmitter modulation, inflammatory pathways, and neuronal networks, promoting neuroprotection and functional recovery. Moreover, preclinical studies in MS animal models suggest that tDCS may reduce inflammation, promote remyelination, and enhance neuronal survival. These insights underscore tDCS as a promising adjunctive therapy for MS, potentially improving quality of life and mitigating disease progression. Further research is warranted to elucidate optimal stimulation parameters, long‑term effects, and broader applicability in clinical settings.