What is a common application of neuromodulation in medical treatment?

Neuromodulation is a technique used in medical treatment to influence the activity of neurons and brain circuits, often with the goal of correcting dysfunctional brain activity associated with various neurological and psychiatric conditions. Altering maladaptive excitability in brain areas is a key aspect of this approach.

In practice, neuromodulation techniques—such as deep brain stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and vagus nerve stimulation—are employed to address conditions like epilepsy, depression, and chronic pain. These modalities help regulate the excitability of neurons and can restore more balanced brain function by either stimulating or inhibiting specific areas, thereby reducing symptoms associated with conditions that result from abnormal neuronal activity.

The other options, while they may have some relevance to brain function or treatment, do not accurately represent a primary application of neuromodulation in a clinical context. Altering the structure of the brain is more associated with surgical interventions rather than modulation. Improving aesthetic functions and enhancing physical performance do not directly align with the goals of neuromodulation, which focuses more on therapeutic outcomes related to pathology and brain function regulation rather than enhancements or aesthetic changes.