Brain fogs can be frustrating to deal with. Sometimes, even coffee doesn’t help. That’s why many of us wish that there was a magical cure to help us when we’re just not mentally…”there” — so we can jumpstart our days like how we should. Recently, at-home brain zapping has been in the talks. It’s said to help with mental clarity and other problems that can hinder a person from doing their usual (or needed) routine.

But is it safe?

What’s At-Home Brain Zapping and How Does It Work?

Brain zapping isn’t new — it has been around for a while now and they come in various forms. But it used to only be performed by experts in the medical field; one type of brain zapping is known as transcranial magnetic stimulation or rTMS. Doctors who perform brain zapping typically place coils on the scalp or forehead and the apparatus sends tiny waves and pulses to the brain to stimulate it and treat certain diseases. Lately, however, brain zapping is increasingly becoming available to be performed by regular people in the comfort of their homes.

The purpose of at-home brain zapping is similar to why it’s used in the first place — to stimulate the brain. This is supposed to help people with memory problems, lack of focus, anxiety, depression, and many more problems that can be alleviated by clinical-grade brain zapping devices. There are a variety of these products that can be found online — some are sold for as little as $40; others sell them for over $500.

What Do Experts Have to Say About This?

There are conflicting opinions when it comes to at-home brain zapping treatments. According to Anna Wexler, an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania, brain zapping may or may not be effective at all. But one of the reasons why many are against it is because “They weren’t too pleased that individuals were essentially using the same technology as they were doing but doing it at home, so using similar devices to stimulate their own brains with low levels of electricity at home.”

Another expert, Dr. Michael Fox (a Harvard Medical School associate professor), warns the public that at-home brain zapping comes with a list of side effects — small burns, itching, tingling sensations, and many more that are yet to be reported.

Despite the supposed FDA-approved labels some at-home brain zapping products come with, one should still proceed with caution. This type of device was once used only under medical supervision. Not only that, but at-home brain stimulation is also a fairly new concept — so there need to be more studies regarding this.

With This in Mind…

There’s no shame in wanting to try new ways of helping you boost your memory and focus — and at-home brain zapping products seem to be on the rise right now. However, more research needs to be conducted regarding this device. If you think your brain needs thorough stimulation, you should ask your doctor first what they can do to help you — and if they’ll allow you to try at-home brain zapping products. Otherwise, follow their advice instead. They know best!

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