Disposable self-hydrating electrode

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Non-invasive forms of electrotherapy such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have shown promise in improving a wide range of disorders and conditions ranging from post-stroke impairments to addiction. Traditional methods of applying low current doses for tDCS use sponge-based electrodes connected to the electric current source via an inner conductive carbon layer. Significant disadvantages of this design include difficulty controlling the optimal amount of saline solution required for a comfortable coupling of the electrode to the skin. Oversaturation of the electrode may cause release of excess moisture causing discomfort to the patient, and may cause the current to be diverted from the stimulating electrode directly to the receiving electrode resulting in a reduction or cancellation of treatment efficacy. On the other end of the electrode hydration problem, insufficient electrode hydration may cause an uncomfortable sensation for the subject due to high electrode-skin resistance.