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The therapeutic use of non-invasive brain stimulation is rapidly developing. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is safe and tolerable for use and offers the advantage of home-based treatment. Evidence to date for the use of tDCS in multiple sclerosis (MS) to target symptoms such as cognitive and motor impairments, fatigue, and emotional distress are reviewed.

Leigh E. Charvet, Ph.D., is the Director of Multiple Sclerosis Research and Professor of Neurology at New York University (NYU) Langone Health. She is a Clinical Neuropsychologist with an extensive background in characterizing and treating symptoms of MS that affect quality of life. Her focus is on the application of emerging technologies for symptomatic management and rehabilitation with those living with MS at the forefront. A goal of her work is to enable home-based access to therapies such as telehealth. She has established a large research program studying the use of non-invasive brain stimulation with tDCS. She leads ongoing trials delivering treatments at home using a telerehabilitation platform to target symptoms of MS, including fatigue and cognitive and motor functioning. She is also completing a mechanistic study in MS using simultaneous tDCS with neuroimaging to characterize the underlying mechanisms of therapeutic benefits. Prior to coming to NYU, Dr. Charvet was with the Department of Neurology at Stony Brook Medicine, and previously worked for the Central Nervous System Division of Scientific Affairs for Johnson & Johnson. She completed her doctorate at Vanderbilt University and fellowship at Stony Brook Medicine.