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Meng H, Houston M, Zhang Y, Li S. Exploring the Prospects of Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES) as a Therapeutic Intervention for Post-Stroke Motor Recovery: A Narrative Review. Brain Sci 2024; 14:322. [PMID: 38671974 PMCID: PMC11047964 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stroke survivors often have motor impairments and related functional deficits. Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES) is a rapidly evolving field that offers a wide range of capabilities for modulating brain function, and it is safe and inexpensive. It has the potential for widespread use for post-stroke motor recovery. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS), and Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation (tRNS) are three recognized tES techniques that have gained substantial attention in recent years but have different mechanisms of action. tDCS has been widely used in stroke motor rehabilitation, while applications of tACS and tRNS are very limited. The tDCS protocols could vary significantly, and outcomes are heterogeneous. PURPOSE the current review attempted to explore the mechanisms underlying commonly employed tES techniques and evaluate their prospective advantages and challenges for their applications in motor recovery after stroke. CONCLUSION tDCS could depolarize and hyperpolarize the potentials of cortical motor neurons, while tACS and tRNS could target specific brain rhythms and entrain neural networks. Despite the extensive use of tDCS, the complexity of neural networks calls for more sophisticated modifications like tACS and tRNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Meng
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael Houston
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA;
| | - Yingchun Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA;
| | - Sheng Li
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Yang S, Yi YG, Chang MC. The effect of transcranial alternating current stimulation on functional recovery in patients with stroke: a narrative review. Front Neurol 2024; 14:1327383. [PMID: 38269003 PMCID: PMC10805992 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1327383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a common neurological disorder worldwide that can cause significant disabilities. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation technique that regulates brain oscillations and reshapes brain rhythms. This study aimed to investigate the effect of tACS on functional recovery in patients with stroke. The MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, Embase, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases were searched for English-language articles on tACS and stroke, published up to October 20, 2023. The following key search phrases were combined to identify potentially relevant articles: 'tACS,' 'transcranial alternating current stimulation,' 'stroke,' 'cerebral infarct,' and 'intracerebral hemorrhage.' The inclusion criteria for study selection were as follows: (1) studies involving patients with stroke and (2) studies that used tACS for functional recovery. A total of 34 potentially relevant studies were identified. Five articles were included in this review after reading the titles and abstracts and assessing their eligibility based on the full-text articles. Among the included studies, one investigated the improvement in overall functional status in patients with stroke after tACS, and two investigated the effect of tACS on motor function and gait patterns. Moreover, one study reported the efficacy of tACS on aphasia recovery, and one study evaluated the effect of tACS on hemispatial neglect. Our findings suggest that tACS improves functional recovery in patients with stroke. The application of tACS was associated with improved overall functional recovery, sensorimotor impairment, aphasia, and hemispatial neglect. The potential clinical application of tACS should be supported by high-quality, evidence-based studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seoyon Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Woman's University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - You Gyoung Yi
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Woman's University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Cheol Chang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Taegu, Republic of Korea
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Keser Z, Ikramuddin S, Shekhar S, Feng W. Neuromodulation for Post-Stroke Motor Recovery: a Narrative Review of Invasive and Non‑Invasive Tools. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2023; 23:893-906. [PMID: 38015351 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-023-01319-6] [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] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Stroke remains a leading disabling condition, and many survivors have permanent disability despite acute stroke treatment and subsequent standard-of-care rehabilitation therapies. Adjunctive neuromodulation is an emerging frontier in the field of stroke recovery. In this narrative review, we aim to highlight and summarize various neuromodulation techniques currently being investigated to enhance recovery and reduce impairment in patients with stroke. RECENT FINDINGS For motor recovery, repetitive transcranial magnetic simulation (rTMS) and direct current stimulation (tDCS) have shown promising results in many smaller-scale trials. Still, their efficacy has yet to be proven in large-scale pivotal trials. A promising large-scale study investigating higher dose tDCS combined with constraint movement therapy to enhance motor recovery is currently underway. MRI-guided tDCS studies in subacute and chronic post-stroke aphasia showed promising benefits for picture-naming recovery. rTMS, particularly inhibitory stimulation over the contralesional homolog, could represent a pathway forward in post-stroke motor recovery in the setting of a well-designed and adequately powered clinical trial. Recently evidenced-based guideline actually supported Level A (definite efficacy) for the use of low-frequency rTMS of the primary motor cortex for hand motor recovery in the post-acute stage of stroke based on the meta-analysis result. Adjunctive vagal nerve stimulation has recently received FDA approval to enhance upper limb motor recovery in chronic ischemic stroke with moderate impairment, and progress has been made to implement it in real-world practice. Despite a few small and large-scale studies in epidural stimulation (EDS), further research on the utilization of EDS in post-stroke recovery is needed. Deep brain stimulation or stent-based neuromodulation has yet to be further tested regarding safety and efficacy. Adjunctive neuromodulation to rehabilitation therapy is a promising avenue for promoting post-stroke recovery and decreasing the overall burden of disability. The pipeline for neuromodulation technology remains strong as they span from the preclinical stage to the post-market stage. We are optimistic to see that more neuromodulation tools will be available to stroke survivors in the not-to-distant future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zafer Keser
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Salman Ikramuddin
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Shashank Shekhar
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Wuwei Feng
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
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Li KP, Wu JJ, Zhou ZL, Xu DS, Zheng MX, Hua XY, Xu JG. Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Neurorehabilitation in Post-Stroke Patients. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13030451. [PMID: 36979261 PMCID: PMC10046557 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterized by high morbidity, mortality, and disability, stroke usually causes symptoms of cerebral hypoxia due to a sudden blockage or rupture of brain vessels, and it seriously threatens human life and health. Rehabilitation is the essential treatment for post-stroke patients suffering from functional impairments, through which hemiparesis, aphasia, dysphagia, unilateral neglect, depression, and cognitive dysfunction can be restored to various degrees. Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is a popular neuromodulatory technology of rehabilitation focusing on the local cerebral cortex, which can improve clinical functions by regulating the excitability of corresponding neurons. Increasing evidence has been obtained from the clinical application of NIBS, especially repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). However, without a standardized protocol, existing studies on NIBS show a wide variation in terms of stimulation site, frequency, intensity, dosage, and other parameters. Its application for neurorehabilitation in post-stroke patients is still limited. With advances in neuronavigation technologies, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, and functional MRI, specific brain regions can be precisely located for stimulation. On the basis of our further understanding on neural circuits, neuromodulation in post-stroke rehabilitation has also evolved from single-target stimulation to co-stimulation of two or more targets, even circuits and the network. The present study aims to review the findings of current research, discuss future directions of NIBS application, and finally promote the use of NIBS in post-stroke rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Peng Li
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jia-Jia Wu
- Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Zong-Lei Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Xu
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mou-Xiong Zheng
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
- Correspondence: (M.-X.Z.); (X.-Y.H.); (J.-G.X.)
| | - Xu-Yun Hua
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
- Correspondence: (M.-X.Z.); (X.-Y.H.); (J.-G.X.)
| | - Jian-Guang Xu
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
- Correspondence: (M.-X.Z.); (X.-Y.H.); (J.-G.X.)
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Rasheed W, Wodeyar A, Srinivasan R, Frostig RD. Sensory stimulation-based protection from impending stroke following MCA occlusion is correlated with desynchronization of widespread spontaneous local field potentials. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1744. [PMID: 35110588 PMCID: PMC8810838 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05604-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In a rat model of ischemic stroke by permanent occlusion of the medial cerebral artery (pMCAo), we have demonstrated using continuous recordings by microelectrode array at the depth of the ischemic territory that there is an immediate wide-spread increase in spontaneous local field potential synchrony following pMCAo that was correlated with ischemic stroke damage, but such increase was not seen in control sham-surgery rats. We further found that the underpinning source of the synchrony increase is intermittent bursts of low multi-frequency oscillations. Here we show that such increase in spontaneous LFP synchrony after pMCAo can be reduced to pre-pMCAo baseline level by delivering early (immediately after pMCAo) protective sensory stimulation that reduced the underpinning bursts. However, the delivery of a late (3 h after pMCAo) destructive sensory stimulation had no influence on the elevated LFP synchrony and its underpinning bursts. Histology confirmed both protection for the early stimulation group and an infarct for the late stimulation group. These findings highlight the unexpected importance of spontaneous LFP and its synchrony as a predictive correlate of cerebral protection or stroke infarct during the hyperacute state following pMCAo and the potential clinical relevance of stimulation to reduce EEG synchrony in acute stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waqas Rasheed
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Anirudh Wodeyar
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ramesh Srinivasan
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Ron D Frostig
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
- Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
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Storch S, Samantzis M, Balbi M. Driving Oscillatory Dynamics: Neuromodulation for Recovery After Stroke. Front Syst Neurosci 2021; 15:712664. [PMID: 34366801 PMCID: PMC8339272 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2021.712664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with limited treatments being available. However, advances in optic methods in neuroscience are providing new insights into the damaged brain and potential avenues for recovery. Direct brain stimulation has revealed close associations between mental states and neuroprotective processes in health and disease, and activity-dependent calcium indicators are being used to decode brain dynamics to understand the mechanisms underlying these associations. Evoked neural oscillations have recently shown the ability to restore and maintain intrinsic homeostatic processes in the brain and could be rapidly deployed during emergency care or shortly after admission into the clinic, making them a promising, non-invasive therapeutic option. We present an overview of the most relevant descriptions of brain injury after stroke, with a focus on disruptions to neural oscillations. We discuss the optical technologies that are currently used and lay out a roadmap for future studies needed to inform the next generation of strategies to promote functional recovery after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Storch
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Montana Samantzis
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Matilde Balbi
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Li Y, Fan J, Yang J, He C, Li S. Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on walking ability after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2018; 36:59-71. [PMID: 29439362 DOI: 10.3233/rnn-170770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a promising technique, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has gained so much attention in its potential effects on functional recovery of lower limb following stroke. However, individual studies have yielded inconsistent or conflicting results. OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy and safety of tDCS for the functional recovery of lower limb following stroke reported in the randomized controlled trials by using a meta-analysis. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database was comprehensively searched for randomized controlled trials published until April 2017 that investigated the effects of tDCS on lower limb function. Main outcomes included walking speed, walking endurance, mobility, balance function, muscle strength of lower limb and adverse events. RESULTS A total of 10 trials (n = 194) met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis demonstrated a significant effect of tDCS on mobility (SMD 0.44, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.87, P = 0.04) and muscle strength of lower limb (SMD 1.54, 95% CI: 0.29 to 2.78, P = 0.02). No significant effects were found in walking speed (SMD 0.39, 95% CI: -0.06 to 0.85, P = 0.09), walking endurance (SMD 0.28, 95% CI: -0.28 to 0.84, P = 0.33) and balance function (SMD 0.44, 95% CI: -0.06 to 0.94, P = 0.08). CONCLUSION tDCS might have beneficial effects on improving mobility and muscle strength of lower limb among individuals with stroke. Future studies with larger sample sizes and an adequate follow-up period are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Fan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyi Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengqi He
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shasha Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.,Athinoula A. Martions Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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Matsumoto H, Ugawa Y. Adverse events of tDCS and tACS: A review. Clin Neurophysiol Pract 2016; 2:19-25. [PMID: 30214966 PMCID: PMC6123849 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnp.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) have been applied to many research issues because these stimulation techniques can modulate neural activity in the human brain painlessly and non-invasively with weak electrical currents. However, there are no formal safety guidelines for the selection of stimulus parameters in either tDCS or tACS. As a means of gathering the information that is needed to produce safety guidelines, in this article, we summarize the adverse events of tDCS and tACS. In both stimulation techniques, most adverse effects are mild and disappear soon after stimulation. Nevertheless, several papers have reported that, in tDCS, some adverse events persist even after stimulation. The persistent events consist of skin lesions similar to burns, which can arise even in healthy subjects, and mania or hypomania in patients with depression. Recently, one paper reported a pediatric patient presenting with seizure after tDCS, although the causal relationship between stimulation and seizure is not clear. As this seizure is the only serious adverse events yet reported in connection with tDCS, tDCS is considered safe. In tACS, meanwhile, no persistent adverse events have been reported, but considerably fewer reports are available on the safety of tACS than on the safety of tDCS. Therefore, to establish the safety of tDCS and tACS, we need to scan the literature continuously for information on the adverse events of both stimulation techniques. Further safety investigations are also required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yoshikazu Ugawa
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Japan.,Fukushima Global Medical Science Center, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
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