Perspectives of brain stimulation
Date: 28.6.2007
Brain stimulation embrace a wide range of methods for direct stimulation of brain regions by electric current (invasive methods, Electrical Brain Stimulation, EBS) or by magnetic field (non-invasive methods e.g. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, TMS). The subject of this article is the analysis of historical development and current situation in the field of brain stimulation and consecutive prediction of possible utilization or abuse of these technologies. Since the end of the nineteenth century brain stimulation was an effective method for localization of physiological and behavioral brain functions. During the twentieth century also therapeutic applications started to develop. Analysis of current trends in stimulation technologies shows that besides experimental and therapeutic applications it is also possible to expect commercial and military applications (e.g. neurocognitive enhancements) in the near future. Ethical discussion follows.
**Keywords**: electrical brain stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, history, ethics
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"Author's pages":[ http://eldar.cz/honza/]
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