Efficacy of TDCS for Treating Working Memory Dysfunction and Depression in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Memory difficulty ranks among the most common complaints for patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. While these cognitive problems may affect quality of life more than seizure frequency, no effective therapy exists. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a method of safe, noninvasive, and painless brain stimulation delivering low intensity direct current through scalp electrodes to modulate brain activity. Several recently published studies demonstrate the enhancement of working memory and mood with stimulation of the frontal region of the brain. Furthermore, tDCS has never been reported to have induced a seizure. The aim of our study is to determine whether real tDCS can improve memory function and mood. The investigators are enrolling patients with well-controlled temporal lobe epilepsy who have not undergone brain surgery.