Comments on the Regulated Use of Transcranial Electric Stimulation

The transcranial application of low intensity electrical stimulation is a non-invasive brain stimulation procedure that allows for altering the excitability of cortical cells in both humans and other animals. There is a broad consensus regarding the safety of this approach in humans, and the different versions and protocols of this technique have been used in basic research and clinical studies for years. We provide updated information on regulatory issues concerning the use of different versions of transcranial electric stimulation (tES). This information is critical due to its implications for the welfare and health of patients. Although tES is a safe and effective method with potential clinical and research utilities, the legal regulation criteria concerning the use of different versions of tES are critically relevant due to the implications of brain stimulation for human health and well-being. Recent publications that review and describe all the regulatory and safety aspects regarding the use of tES offer a practical vision of the most up-to-date information in this field.