Session Do's and Don'ts

A few simple things to keep in mind before, during, and after your session. Worth a read the first time, it should feel intuitive going forward.

Wear the headset the right way up. It has a defined top and bottom, so it's not meant to go on upside down.
Start with a clean, dry forehead. Lotion, sweat, or oil can get in the way of good contact, so a quick wipe beforehand helps.
Stay active during your session. Reading, working, or doing light chores around the house all work nicely. Keeping your mind engaged actually supports the effect, whereas sitting still on purpose doesn't add anything.
Keep the headset on for the full session. Stopping midway and restarting isn't harmful, but you'll only get the benefit from completing the full duration.
Keep it regular. Like most wellness routines, showing up steadily over time tends to do more than the occasional session here and there.

Don't use it on broken or irritated skin. If you've got a cut, sunburn, or a rash on your forehead, give your skin time to heal first.
Don't take the headset off mid-session without pausing. Always pause in the app first, then resume or end the session as you like.
Don't wet or reuse the saline pads. Each pad holds just enough saline for one session, and a used one can't deliver clean, even contact again. Start each session with a fresh pad.
Don't use it while showering, swimming, or sweating heavily. The headset needs to stay dry.
Don't do anything where a lapse in focus could be risky like driving, operating machinery, or cooking over an open flame, during a session.

tDCS is generally well tolerated, but if any of the following apply to you, talk to a doctor before your first session:

You're pregnant.
You have a history of epilepsy, seizures, or major neurological conditions (mental health conditions on their own are fine).
You have a pacemaker, cochlear implant, or any metal implant in your head or neck (dental work is fine).
You have any other implanted electronic medical device, anywhere in your body.
You have schizophrenia, bipolar I or II, or a substance use disorder.
You have a diagnosed neurological or psychiatric condition you're currently being treated for, beyond what's listed above.
You have a severe forehead skin condition, such as psoriasis or eczema.
You have a history of traumatic brain injury, brain tumours, or skull abnormalities.

A mild tingling, itching, or warmth under the pads, especially in the first minute or two.
Brief flashes or flickers of light in your vision, particularly as the session starts or ends. They're called phosphenes, a completely harmless response to the change in current. They fade as quickly as they appear.
Mild redness at the site of the pad after your session. This usually fades within an hour.
A faint metallic taste, in rare cases. It's temporary and passes on its own.

End your session and contact us if you notice:

If you have questions, contact us at contact@mavehealth.com.