Genetic Polymorphisms and Response Variability to Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the Primary Motor Cortex

This thesis investigates mechanisms of neuroplasticity that underpin changes in brain activity following non-invasive brain stimulation techniques. It investigates previous observations that not all individuals respond to non-invasive brain stimulation in the same manner. It explores whether differences in expression of particular genes involved in neuroplasticity may explain this variability in response. This thesis reported that the expression of two specific genes were associated with how individuals respond to non-invasive brain stimulation. These findings offer novel insights into the future use of genetic biomarkers as a potential screening tool for suitability of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques in the clinical setting.