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Ciricugno A, Oldrati V, Cattaneo Z, Leggio M, Urgesi C, Olivito G. Cerebellar Neurostimulation for Boosting Social and Affective Functions: Implications for the Rehabilitation of Hereditary Ataxia Patients. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:1651-1677. [PMID: 38270782 PMCID: PMC11269351 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-023-01652-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Beyond motor deficits, spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) patients also suffer cognitive decline and show socio-affective difficulties, negatively impacting on their social functioning. The possibility to modulate cerebello-cerebral networks involved in social cognition through cerebellar neurostimulation has opened up potential therapeutic applications for ameliorating social and affective difficulties. The present review offers an overview of the research on cerebellar neurostimulation for the modulation of socio-affective functions in both healthy individuals and different clinical populations, published in the time period 2000-2022. A total of 25 records reporting either transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) studies were found. The investigated clinical populations comprised different pathological conditions, including but not limited to SCA syndromes. The reviewed evidence supports that cerebellar neurostimulation is effective in improving social abilities in healthy individuals and reducing social and affective symptoms in different neurological and psychiatric populations associated with cerebellar damage or with impairments in functions that involve the cerebellum. These findings encourage to further explore the rehabilitative effects of cerebellar neurostimulation on socio-affective deficits experienced by patients with cerebellar abnormalities, as SCA patients. Nevertheless, conclusions remain tentative at this stage due to the heterogeneity characterizing stimulation protocols, study methodologies and patients' samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ciricugno
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Science, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Viola Oldrati
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 23842, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Zaira Cattaneo
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, 24129, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Maria Leggio
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
- Ataxia Laboratory, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - Cosimo Urgesi
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 23842, Bosisio Parini, Italy
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Giusy Olivito
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
- Ataxia Laboratory, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00179, Rome, Italy
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Zheng EZ, Wong NML, Yang ASY, Lee TMC. Evaluating the effects of tDCS on depressive and anxiety symptoms from a transdiagnostic perspective: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:295. [PMID: 39025832 PMCID: PMC11258305 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-03003-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Depressive and anxiety symptoms are prevalent among patients with various clinical conditions, resulting in diminished emotional well-being and impaired daily functioning. The neural mechanisms underlying these symptoms, particularly across different disorders, remain unclear, limiting the effectiveness of conventional treatments. Therefore, it is crucial to elucidate the neural underpinnings of depressive and anxiety symptoms and investigate novel, effective treatments across clinical conditions. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulatory technique that can help understand the neural underpinnings of symptoms and facilitate the development of interventions, addressing the two research gaps at both neural and clinical levels. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the existing evidence regarding the therapeutic efficacy of tDCS in reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms among individuals with diverse clinical diagnoses. This review evaluated evidence from fifty-six randomized, sham-controlled trials that administered repeated tDCS sessions with a parallel design, applying a three-level meta-analytic model. tDCS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) at 2-mA intensity demonstrates moderate efficacy in alleviating depressive symptoms, identifying the left DLPFC as a transdiagnostic neural mechanism of depressive symptoms across clinical conditions. In comparison, the findings on anxiety symptoms demonstrate greater heterogeneity. tDCS over the left DLPFC is effective in reducing depressive symptoms and shows promising effects in alleviating anxiety symptoms among individuals with diverse diagnoses. These findings enhance our understanding of the neuropsychological basis of depressive and anxiety symptoms, laying the groundwork for the development of more effective tDCS interventions applicable across clinical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Zhiwei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology & Human Neuroscience, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Nichol M L Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology & Human Neuroscience, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Ting Kok, Hong Kong.
| | - Angela S Y Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology & Human Neuroscience, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Tatia M C Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology & Human Neuroscience, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.
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3
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Mattioli F, Maglianella V, D'Antonio S, Trimarco E, Caligiore D. Non-invasive brain stimulation for patients and healthy subjects: Current challenges and future perspectives. J Neurol Sci 2024; 456:122825. [PMID: 38103417 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2023.122825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques have a rich historical background, yet their utilization has witnessed significant growth only recently. These techniques encompass transcranial electrical stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation, which were initially employed in neuroscience to explore the intricate relationship between the brain and behaviour. However, they are increasingly finding application in research contexts as a means to address various neurological, psychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders. This article aims to fulfill two primary objectives. Firstly, it seeks to showcase the current state of the art in the clinical application of NIBS, highlighting how it can improve and complement existing treatments. Secondly, it provides a comprehensive overview of the utilization of NIBS in augmenting the brain function of healthy individuals, thereby enhancing their performance. Furthermore, the article delves into the points of convergence and divergence between these two techniques. It also addresses the existing challenges and future prospects associated with NIBS from ethical and research standpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Mattioli
- AI2Life s.r.l., Innovative Start-Up, ISTC-CNR Spin-Off, Via Sebino 32, 00199 Rome, Italy; School of Computing, Electronics and Mathematics, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
| | - Valerio Maglianella
- Computational and Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council (CTNLab-ISTC-CNR), Via San Martino della Battaglia 44, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara D'Antonio
- Computational and Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council (CTNLab-ISTC-CNR), Via San Martino della Battaglia 44, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Emiliano Trimarco
- Computational and Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council (CTNLab-ISTC-CNR), Via San Martino della Battaglia 44, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Caligiore
- AI2Life s.r.l., Innovative Start-Up, ISTC-CNR Spin-Off, Via Sebino 32, 00199 Rome, Italy; Computational and Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council (CTNLab-ISTC-CNR), Via San Martino della Battaglia 44, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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D'Urso G, Toscano E, Barone A, Palermo M, Dell'Osso B, Di Lorenzo G, Mantovani A, Martinotti G, Fornaro M, Iasevoli F, de Bartolomeis A. Transcranial direct current stimulation for bipolar depression: systematic reviews of clinical evidence and biological underpinnings. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 121:110672. [PMID: 36332699 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Despite multiple available treatments for bipolar depression (BD), many patients face sub-optimal responses. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been advocated in the management of different conditions, including BD, especially in treatment-resistant cases. The optimal dose and timing of tDCS, the mutual influence with other concurrently administered interventions, long-term efficacy, overall safety, and biological underpinnings nonetheless deserve additional assessment. The present study appraised the existing clinical evidence about tDCS for bipolar depression, delving into the putative biological underpinnings with a special emphasis on cellular and molecular levels, with the ultimate goal of providing a translational perspective on the matter. Two separate systematic reviews across the PubMed database since inception up to August 8th 2022 were performed, with fourteen clinical and nineteen neurobiological eligible studies. The included clinical studies encompass 207 bipolar depression patients overall and consistently document the efficacy of tDCS, with a reduction in depression scores after treatment ranging from 18% to 92%. The RCT with the largest sample clearly showed a significant superiority of active stimulation over sham. Mild-to-moderate and transient adverse effects are attributed to tDCS across these studies. The review of neurobiological literature indicates that several molecular mechanisms may account for the antidepressant effect of tDCS in BD patients, including the action on calcium homeostasis in glial cells, the enhancement of LTP, the regulation of neurotrophic factors and inflammatory mediators, and the modulation of the expression of plasticity-related genes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on the matter to concurrently provide a synthesis of the clinical evidence and an in-depth appraisal of the putative biological underpinnings, providing consistent support for the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of tDCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giordano D'Urso
- Section of Psychiatry, Clinical Unit of Psychiatry and Psychology, Unit of Treatment Resistance in Psychiatry, Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Clinical Department of Head and Neck, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Elena Toscano
- Section of Psychiatry, Clinical Unit of Psychiatry and Psychology, Unit of Treatment Resistance in Psychiatry, Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Clinical Department of Head and Neck, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Annarita Barone
- Section of Psychiatry, Clinical Unit of Psychiatry and Psychology, Unit of Treatment Resistance in Psychiatry, Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Clinical Department of Head and Neck, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Mario Palermo
- Section of Psychiatry, Clinical Unit of Psychiatry and Psychology, Unit of Treatment Resistance in Psychiatry, Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Clinical Department of Head and Neck, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Bernardo Dell'Osso
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, Ospedale Luigi Sacco Polo Universitario, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Bipolar Disorders Clinic, Stanford University, CA, USA; CRC "Aldo Ravelli" for Neuro-technology & Experimental Brain Therapeutics, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Di Lorenzo
- Laboratory of Psychophysiology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy; Psychiatric and Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Mantovani
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Scienze della Salute "V. Tiberio" Università degli Studi del Molise, Campobasso, Italy; Dipartimento di Salute Mentale e delle Dipendenze, Azienda Sanitaria Regionale del Molise (ASReM), Campobasso, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, Clinical Sciences, University Gabriele d'Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Clinical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Herts, UK
| | - Michele Fornaro
- Section of Psychiatry, Clinical Unit of Psychiatry and Psychology, Unit of Treatment Resistance in Psychiatry, Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Clinical Department of Head and Neck, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Felice Iasevoli
- Section of Psychiatry, Clinical Unit of Psychiatry and Psychology, Unit of Treatment Resistance in Psychiatry, Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Clinical Department of Head and Neck, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea de Bartolomeis
- Section of Psychiatry, Clinical Unit of Psychiatry and Psychology, Unit of Treatment Resistance in Psychiatry, Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Clinical Department of Head and Neck, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
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Ponce GV, Klaus J, Schutter DJLG. A Brief History of Cerebellar Neurostimulation. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 21:715-730. [PMID: 34403075 PMCID: PMC9325826 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-021-01310-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The first attempts at using electric stimulation to study human brain functions followed the experiments of Luigi Galvani and Giovanni Aldini on animal electricity during the eighteenth century. Since then, the cerebellum has been among the areas that have been studied by invasive and non-invasive forms of electrical and magnetic stimulation. During the nineteenth century, animal experiments were conducted to map the motor-related regions of cerebellar cortex by means of direct electric stimulation. As electric stimulation research on the cerebellum moved into the twentieth century, systematic research of electric cerebellar stimulation led to a better understanding of its effects and mechanism of action. In addition, the clinical potential of cerebellar stimulation in the treatment of motor diseases started to be explored. With the introduction of transcranial electric and magnetic stimulation, cerebellar research moved to non-invasive techniques. During the twenty-first century, following on groundbreaking research that linked the cerebellum to non-motor functions, non-invasive techniques have facilitated research into different aspects of cerebellar functioning. The present review provides a brief historical account of cerebellar neurostimulation and discusses current challenges and future direction in this field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo V Ponce
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jana Klaus
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis J L G Schutter
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Association of Long-Term Speech Therapy and Neuromodulation in Primary Progressive Aphasia: Lessons from a Case Report. CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/ctn6030017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative disorder with a progressive loss of language. Long-term support requires speech therapy but also individually set training programs. Here we propose an 8-month individualized speech-training program which alternates 3-week periods of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) treatment with intensive daily language exercises and a 3-week period without tDCS treatment and a less intensive language exercise from home in a patient with non-fluent variant PPA (nfvPPA). The endpoints were the following: adherence to this program, language data after 8 months, questionnaires related to emotional valence, and brain volume changes. The results showed a persistent adherence after 8 months and a positive compliance reported by both the patient and the partner. The language evaluation showed a clinical stabilization. Moreover, a significant and positive influence of tDCS on mood was observed. This is, to our knowledge, the first ever published report of a combined neuromodulation and language training during the course of 8 months. Our finding suggests the feasibility of programs integrating hospital speech therapy, home training, and tDCS modulation in PPA. Further studies should be conducted in order to disentangle the contextual influences on language performance from the tDCS intervention effects and to address the observation of an initial improvement and a subsequent stabilization effect of language performances.
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Simultaneous Bilateral Frontal and Bilateral Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Treatment-Resistant Depression—Clinical Effects and Electrical Field Modelling of a Novel Electrodes Montage. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071681. [PMID: 35884985 PMCID: PMC9312986 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Depressive disorders are one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a safe, simple, non-invasive brain stimulation technique showing considerable effectiveness in improving depressive symptoms. Most studies to date have applied anodal tDCS to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), in line with the hypothesis that depressed patients exhibit relative hypoactivity in the left DLPFC compared to the right. Considering the emerging role of the cerebellum in emotional processes, we aimed to study the effect of combining bilateral cerebellar tDCS with the commonly used bifrontal stimulation in patients with severe depression. This open-label pilot study entailed the simultaneous administration of bilateral cerebellar (anode over the left cerebellum, cathode over the right cerebellum) and bilateral frontal (anode over the left DLPFC, cathode over the right DLPFC) tDCS to patients (N = 12) with treatment-resistant depression. The 21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Beck’s Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) were selected as outcome measures. Electric fields distribution originating from this novel electrode montage was obtained by a computational method applied to a realistic human head model. We observed a 30% reduction of both clinician-rated and self-reported severity of depressive symptoms after only five days (10 sessions) of treatment. Younger age was associated with greater clinical improvement. Adverse events were similar to those of the conventional electrodes montage. The modelling studies demonstrated that the electric fields generated by each pair of electrodes are primarily distributed in the cortical areas under the electrodes. In conclusion, the cerebellum could represent a promising adjunctive target for tDCS interventions in patients with TRD, particularly for younger patients.
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Klaus J, Schutter DJLG. Non-invasive Brain Stimulation of the Cerebellum in Emotion. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1378:109-121. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-99550-8_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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9
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New Horizons on Non-invasive Brain Stimulation of the Social and Affective Cerebellum. THE CEREBELLUM 2021; 21:482-496. [PMID: 34270081 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-021-01300-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The cerebellum is increasingly attracting scientists interested in basic and clinical research of neuromodulation. Here, we review available studies that used either transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to examine the role of the posterior cerebellum in different aspects of social and affective cognition, from mood regulation to emotion discrimination, and from the ability to identify biological motion to higher-level social inferences (mentalizing). We discuss how at the functional level the role of the posterior cerebellum in these different processes may be explained by a generic prediction mechanism and how the posterior cerebellum may exert this function within different cortico-cerebellar and cerebellar limbic networks involved in social cognition. Furthermore, we suggest to deepen our understanding of the cerebro-cerebellar circuits involved in different aspects of social cognition by employing promising stimulation approaches that have so far been primarily used to study cortical functions and networks, such as paired-pulse TMS, frequency-tuned stimulation, state-dependent protocols, and chronometric TMS. The ability to modulate cerebro-cerebellar connectivity opens up possible clinical applications for improving impairments in social and affective skills associated with cerebellar abnormalities.
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Dutra LRDV, Silva-Filho E, Oliveira MC, Paiva Tavares BN, Pegado R, Micussi MTBAC. Transcranial direct current electrical stimulation for the treatment of interstitial cystitis: A study protocol. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2021; 262:198-202. [PMID: 34062307 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome is a chronic disorder that presents an unknown etiology, with no generally accepted treatment. Although there is no gold standard treatment, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown efficacy in several chronic pain syndromes with decrease in pain, and improved functionality and mood. tDCS could be a safe, ease to use, and low-cost complementary intervention for patients with interstitial cystitis. AIM This study will investigate the effects of a tDCS protocol on pain, functionality, and mood in patients with interstitial cystitis. METHODS A randomized controlled clinical trial with two arms. Women will be randomized into two groups: active or sham. Anodal tDCS over the primary motor cortex will be performed for 5 consecutive days with an intensity of 2 mA for 20 min. Participants will be evaluated five times: 1 week before intervention; on the 5th day of tDCS; and 1, 6, and 12 months after the last day of tDCS. The outcomes will be assessed using the numeric rating scale, McGill pain questionnaire, positive and negative affect scale, international consultation on incontinence questionnaire for female lower urinary tract symptoms, Hamilton anxiety scale, six-minute walk test, patient global impression of change, and voiding diary. DISCUSSION Only the active group will be expected to show decreased pain. The results of this trial will be the first step in the use of neuromodulation in interstitial cystitis and will provide additional data to support new studies with tDCS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Edson Silva-Filho
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
| | - Maiara Costa Oliveira
- Undergraduate in Physiotherapy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo Pegado
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Graduate Program in Health Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
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Gheorghe DA, Panouillères MTN, Walsh ND. Investigating the effects of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation on saccadic adaptation and cortisol response. CEREBELLUM & ATAXIAS 2021; 8:1. [PMID: 33397502 PMCID: PMC7784285 DOI: 10.1186/s40673-020-00124-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) over the prefrontal cortex has been shown to modulate subjective, neuronal and neuroendocrine responses, particularly in the context of stress processing. However, it is currently unknown whether tDCS stimulation over other brain regions, such as the cerebellum, can similarly affect the stress response. Despite increasing evidence linking the cerebellum to stress-related processing, no studies have investigated the hormonal and behavioural effects of cerebellar tDCS. METHODS This study tested the hypothesis of a cerebellar tDCS effect on mood, behaviour and cortisol. To do this we employed a single-blind, sham-controlled design to measure performance on a cerebellar-dependent saccadic adaptation task, together with changes in cortisol output and mood, during online anodal and cathodal stimulation. Forty-five participants were included in the analysis. Stimulation groups were matched on demographic variables, potential confounding factors known to affect cortisol levels, mood and a number of personality characteristics. RESULTS Results showed that tDCS polarity did not affect cortisol levels or subjective mood, but did affect behaviour. Participants receiving anodal stimulation showed an 8.4% increase in saccadic adaptation, which was significantly larger compared to the cathodal group (1.6%). CONCLUSION The stimulation effect on saccadic adaptation contributes to the current body of literature examining the mechanisms of cerebellar stimulation on associated function. We conclude that further studies are needed to understand whether and how cerebellar tDCS may module stress reactivity under challenge conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia A. Gheorghe
- School of Psychology, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Muriel T. N. Panouillères
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay Cedex, France
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
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Freidle M, Nilsson J, Lebedev AV, Lövdén M. No evidence for any effect of multiple sessions of frontal transcranial direct stimulation on mood in healthy older adults. Neuropsychologia 2020; 137:107325. [PMID: 31877311 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2019.107325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is part of a network important for emotional regulation and the possibility of modulating activity in this region with transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) to change mood has gained great interest, particularly for application in clinical populations. Whilst results in major depressive disorder have been promising, less is known about the effects of TDCS on mood in non-clinical populations. We hypothesized that multiple sessions of anodal TDCS applied over the left DLPFC would enhance mood, primarily as measured by the Profile of Mood States questionnaire, in healthy older adults. In addition, in an exploratory analysis, we examined the potentially moderating role of working memory training. Working memory, just like emotional regulation, taxes the DLPFC, which suggests that engaging in a working memory task whilst receiving TDCS may have a different effect on activity in this region and consequently mood. A total of 123 participants between 65 and 75 years of age were randomly assigned to receive either 20 sessions of TDCS, with or without working memory training, or 20 sessions sham stimulation, with or without working memory training. We found no support for enhancement of mood due to TDCS in healthy older adults, with or without cognitive training and conclude that the TDCS protocol used is unlikely to improve mood in non-depressed older individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malin Freidle
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Jonna Nilsson
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexander V Lebedev
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Lövdén
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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Iannone A, Allam N, Brasil-Neto JP. Safety of transcranial direct current stimulation in a patient with deep brain stimulation electrodes. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2019; 77:174-178. [PMID: 30970130 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x20190019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been investigated in movement disorders, making it a therapeutic alternative in clinical settings. However, there is still no consensus on the most appropriate treatment protocols in most cases, and the presence of deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes has been regarded as a contraindication to the procedure. We recently studied the effects of cerebellar tDCS on a female patient already undergoing subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) for generalized dystonia. She also presented with chronic pain and depression. With STN-DBS, there was improvement of dystonia, and botulinum toxin significantly reduced pain. However, depressive symptoms were worse after STN-DBS surgery. METHODS Neuromodulation with 2 mA anodal cerebellar tDCS was initiated, targeting both hemispheres in each daily 30 minute session: 15 minutes of left cerebellar stimulation followed by 15 minutes of right cerebellar stimulation. The DBS electrodes were in place and functional, but the current was turned off during tDCS. RESULTS Although our goal was to improve dystonic movements, after 10 tDCS sessions there was also improvement in mood with normalization of Beck Depression Inventory scores. There were no complications in spite of the implanted STN-DBS leads. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that tDCS is safe in patients with DBS electrodes and may be an effective add-on neuromodulatory tool in the treatment of potential DBS partial efficacy in patients with movement disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Iannone
- Universidade de Brasília, Laboratório de Neurociência e Comportamento, Instituto de Biologia, Brasília DF, Brasil
| | - Nasser Allam
- Universidade de Brasília, Laboratório de Neurociência e Comportamento, Instituto de Biologia, Brasília DF, Brasil
| | - Joaquim P Brasil-Neto
- Universidade de Brasília, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Biologia, Brasília DF, Brasil
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van Dun K, Mitoma H, Manto M. Cerebellar Cortex as a Therapeutic Target for Neurostimulation. THE CEREBELLUM 2018; 17:777-787. [PMID: 30276522 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-018-0976-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Non-invasive stimulation of the cerebellum is growingly applied both in the clinic and in research settings to modulate the activities of cerebello-cerebral loops. The anatomical location of the cerebellum, the high responsiveness of the cerebellar cortex to magnetic/electrical stimuli, and the implication of the cerebellum in numerous cerebello-cerebral networks make the cerebellum an ideal target for investigations and therapeutic purposes. In this mini-review, we discuss the potentials of cerebellar neuromodulation in major brain disorders in order to encourage large-scale sham-controlled research and explore this therapeutic aid further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim van Dun
- Clinical and Experimental Neurolinguistics, CLIN, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Hiroshi Mitoma
- Medical Education Promotion Center, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mario Manto
- Service de Neurologie, Médiathèque Jean Jacquy, CHU-Charleroi, Charleroi, Belgium.,Service des Neurosciences, UMons, Mons, Belgium
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Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulatory approach that is affordable, safe, and well tolerated. This review article summarizes the research and clinically relevant findings from meta-analyses and studies investigating the cognitive effects of tDCS in healthy and clinical populations. We recapitulate findings from recent studies where cognitive performance paired with tDCS was compared with performance under placebo (sham stimulation) in single sessions and longitudinal designs where cognitive effects were evaluated following repeated sessions. In summary, the tDCS literature currently indicates that the effects of tDCS on cognitive measures are less robust and less predictable compared with the more consistent effects on motor outcomes. There is also a notable difference in the consistency of single-session and longitudinal designs. In single-session tDCS designs, there are small effects amid high variability confounded by individual differences and potential sham stimulation effects. In contrast, longitudinal studies provide more consistent benefits in healthy and clinical populations, particularly when tDCS is paired with a concurrent task. Yet, these studies are few in number, thereby impeding design optimization. While there is good evidence that tDCS can modulate cognitive functioning and potentially produce longer-term benefits, a major challenge to widespread translation of tDCS is the absence of a complete mechanistic account for observed effects. Significant future work is needed to identify a priori responders from nonresponders for every cognitive task and tDCS protocol.
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