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Di Lazzaro V, Ranieri F, Doretti A, Boscarino M, Maderna L, Colombo E, Soranna D, Zambon A, Ticozzi N, Musumeci G, Capone F, Silani V. Transcranial static magnetic stimulation for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a bicentric, randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled phase 2 trial. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2024; 45:101019. [PMID: 39185360 PMCID: PMC11341967 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.101019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Background Enhanced glutamatergic transmission leading to motor neuron death is considered the major pathophysiological mechanism of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Motor cortex excitability can be suppressed by transcranial static magnetic stimulation (tSMS), thus tSMS can be evaluated as a potential treatment for ALS. The aim of present study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of tSMS in ALS. Methods In this phase 2 trial, we randomly assigned ALS patients to receive daily tSMS or placebo stimulation over a period of 6 months. For each participant we calculated mean disease monthly progression rate (MPR) as the variation of the total ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSRFS-R) score, before the beginning of the treatment (over a period of at least three months) and over the six-month treatment period. The primary efficacy outcome was the difference in MPR before and after the beginning of treatment. Secondary outcomes included safety and tolerability, compliance, and changes in corticospinal output. A long-term follow-up of 18 months was performed in all patients who completed the six-month treatment considering a composite endpoint event (tracheostomy or death). Trial registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT04393467, status: closed. Findings Forty participants were randomly assigned to real (n = 21) or placebo stimulation (n = 19). Thirty-two participants (18 real and 14 placebo) completed the 6-month treatment. The MPR did not show statistically significant differences between the two arms during the pre-treatment (mean ± Standard deviation; Real: 1.02 ± 0.62, Sham: 1.02 ± 0.57, p-value = 1.00) and treatment period (Real: 0.90 ± 0.55, Sham: 0.94 ± 0.55, p-value = 0.83). Results for secondary clinical endpoints showed that the treatment is feasible and safe, being compliance with tSMS high. The change in corticospinal output did not differ significantly between the two groups. At the end of the long-term follow-up of 18 months, patients of real group had a statistically significant higher tracheostomy-free survival compared with patients of placebo group (Hazard Ratio = 0.27 95% Confidence interval 0.09-0.80, p-value = 0.019). Interpretation tSMS did not modify disease progression during the 6 months of treatment. However, long-term follow-up revealed a substantial increase in tracheostomy free survival in patients treated with real stimulation supporting the evaluation of tSMS in larger and more prolonged studies. Funding The "Fondazione 'Nicola Irti' per le opere di carità e di cultura", Rome, Italy, supported present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Di Lazzaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology and Psychiatry, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, Roma 00128, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, Roma 00128, Italy
| | - Federico Ranieri
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, P.le L.A. Scuro 10, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Alberto Doretti
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Piazzale Brescia 20, Milano 20149, Italy
| | - Marilisa Boscarino
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology and Psychiatry, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, Roma 00128, Italy
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Neurorehabilitation Department of the Milano Institute, Via Camaldoli 64, Milano 20138, Italy
| | - Luca Maderna
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Piazzale Brescia 20, Milano 20149, Italy
| | - Eleonora Colombo
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Piazzale Brescia 20, Milano 20149, Italy
| | - Davide Soranna
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Biostatistics Unit, Milano, Italy
| | - Antonella Zambon
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Biostatistics Unit, Milano, Italy
- Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano 20126, Italy
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Biostatistics Unit, Milano, Italy
- “Dino Ferrari” Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20122, Italy
| | - Gabriella Musumeci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology and Psychiatry, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, Roma 00128, Italy
| | - Fioravante Capone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology and Psychiatry, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, Roma 00128, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, Roma 00128, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Piazzale Brescia 20, Milano 20149, Italy
- “Dino Ferrari” Center, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano 20122, Italy
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Tseng SC, Cherry D, Ko M, Fisher SR, Furtado M, Chang SH. The effects of combined transcranial brain stimulation and a 4-week visuomotor stepping training on voluntary step initiation in persons with chronic stroke-a pilot study. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1286856. [PMID: 38450075 PMCID: PMC10915046 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1286856] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Evidence suggests that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can enhance motor performance and learning of hand tasks in persons with chronic stroke (PCS). However, the effects of tDCS on the locomotor tasks in PCS are unclear. This pilot study aimed to: (1) determine aggregate effects of anodal tDCS combined with step training on improvements of the neural and biomechanical attributes of stepping initiation in a small cohort of persons with chronic stroke (PCS) over a 4-week training program; and (2) assess the feasibility and efficacy of this novel approach for improving voluntary stepping initiation in PCS. Methods A total of 10 PCS were randomly assigned to one of two training groups, consisting of either 12 sessions of VST paired with a-tDCS (n = 6) or sham tDCS (s-tDCS, n = 4) over 4 weeks, with step initiation (SI) tests at pre-training, post-training, 1-week and 1-month follow-ups. Primary outcomes were: baseline vertical ground reaction force (B-vGRF), response time (RT) to initiate anticipatory postural adjustment (APA), and the retention of B-VGRF and RT. Results a-tDCS paired with a 4-week VST program results in a significant increase in paretic weight loading at 1-week follow up. Furthermore, a-tDCS in combination with VST led to significantly greater retention of paretic BWB compared with the sham group at 1 week post-training. Clinical implications The preliminary findings suggest a 4-week VST results in improved paretic limb weight bearing (WB) during SI in PCS. Furthermore, VST combined with a-tDCS may lead to better retention of gait improvements (NCT04437251) (https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04437251).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Chiao Tseng
- Neuromechanics Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Dana Cherry
- Neuromechanics Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Mansoo Ko
- Neuromechanics Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Steven R. Fisher
- Neuromechanics Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Michael Furtado
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Shuo-Hsiu Chang
- Neuromuscular Plasticity Laboratory, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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Di Lazzaro V, Ranieri F, Bączyk M, de Carvalho M, Dileone M, Dubbioso R, Fernandes S, Kozak G, Motolese F, Ziemann U. Novel approaches to motoneuron disease/ALS treatment using non-invasive brain and spinal stimulation: IFCN handbook chapter. Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 158:114-136. [PMID: 38218077 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2023.12.012] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques have been exploited in motor neuron disease (MND) with multifold objectives: to support the diagnosis, to get insights in the pathophysiology of these disorders and, more recently, to slow down disease progression. In this review, we consider how neuromodulation can now be employed to treat MND, with specific attention to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common form with upper motoneuron (UMN) involvement, taking into account electrophysiological abnormalities revealed by human and animal studies that can be targeted by neuromodulation techniques. This review article encompasses repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation methods (including low-frequency, high-frequency, and pattern stimulation paradigms), transcranial direct current stimulation as well as experimental findings with the newer approach of trans-spinal direct current stimulation. We also survey and discuss the trials that have been performed, and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Di Lazzaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology and Psychiatry, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Roma, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Roma, Italy.
| | - Federico Ranieri
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, P.Le L.A. Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Marcin Bączyk
- Department of Neurobiology, Poznań University of Physical Education, Królowej Jadwigi Street 27/39, 61-871 Poznań, Poland
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Institute of Physiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine-JLA, Egas Moniz Study Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon 1649-028, Portugal; Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, CHULN, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Michele Dileone
- Faculty of Health Sciences, UCLM Talavera de la Reina, Toledo, Spain; Neurology Department, Hospital Nuestra Señora del Prado, Talavera de la Reina, Toledo, Spain
| | - Raffaele Dubbioso
- Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Sofia Fernandes
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016-Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gabor Kozak
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Hertie-Institute of Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Francesco Motolese
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Ulf Ziemann
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Hertie-Institute of Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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Yu MKL, Chiu AYY, Chau SK, Rosa Duque JS, Wong WHS, Chan SHS. A pilot study of an integrated, personalized, respiratory and motor telerehabilitation program for pediatric patients with hereditary neuromuscular disorders. Muscle Nerve 2023; 68:857-864. [PMID: 37837303 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Telerehabilitation provides physical training to patients through telecommunication networks. We examined the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of an integrated, personalized, respiratory and motor telerehabilitation program for pediatric patients with hereditary neuromuscular disorders (NMDs). METHODS Stable pediatric patients were recruited for a 16-week home training program with personalized pulmonary, upper and lower limb exercises. Patients reviewed instructional videos at home and attended bi-weekly follow-ups through video or audio calls, text messages, or emails. The primary outcomes were respiratory function, Medical Research Council (MRC) grading, hand/pinch strength, 6-minute walk test, and Pediatric Quality-of-Life Inventory 3.0 Neuromuscular Module survey. The secondary outcomes were study compliance and user feedback. RESULTS Patients with spinal muscular atrophy (n = 4), congenital myasthenic syndrome (n = 2), and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (n = 2) completed the program. The median weekly exercise time was 101.3 min (range: 30.0-266.9). No extra face-to-face physiotherapy sessions were requested by the patients. No adverse events were reported. After the study, patients showed improvements in maximal expiratory pressure (35.0 vs. 47.5 cm H2O, p = .028) and maintained their MRC grade, hand/pinch strength, and walking distance. Patients also reported improvements in the Pediatric Quality-of-Life Inventory 3.0 Neuromuscular Module survey score (74.5 vs. 87.0, p = .036). Patients rated the overall program highly (mean: 4.00/5.00) and recommended it as a standard of care (mean: 4.38/5.00). DISCUSSION Our telerehabilitation program was feasible, safe, and possibly effective for this pilot cohort of stable pediatric patients with hereditary NMDs. Larger-scale studies for longer periods are warranted to confirm the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kwan Leung Yu
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Alice Yuen Yee Chiu
- Department of Physiotherapy, The Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital at Sandy Bay, Hong Kong
| | - Shuk Kuen Chau
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital at Sandy Bay, Hong Kong
| | - Jaime S Rosa Duque
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital at Sandy Bay, Hong Kong
| | - Wilfred Hing Sang Wong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Sophelia Hoi Shan Chan
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital at Sandy Bay, Hong Kong
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Kumpf U, Palm U, Eder J, Ezim H, Stadler M, Burkhardt G, Dechantsreiter E, Padberg F. TDCS at home for depressive disorders: an updated systematic review and lessons learned from a prematurely terminated randomized controlled pilot study. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 273:1403-1420. [PMID: 37191697 PMCID: PMC10185954 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01620-y] [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: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The application of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) at home for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) is the subject of current clinical trials. This is due to its positive safety profile, cost-effectiveness, and potential scalability for a wide outreach in clinical practice. Here, we provide a systematic review of the available studies and also a report on the results of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) on tDCS at home for the treatment of MDD. This trial had to be prematurely terminated due to safety concerns. The HomeDC trial is a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Patients with MDD (DSM-5) were randomized to active or sham tDCS. Patients conducted tDCS at home for 6 weeks with 5 sessions/week (30 min at 2 mA) anode over F3, cathode over F4. Sham tDCS resembled active tDCS, with ramp-in and ramp-out periods, but without intermittent stimulation. The study was prematurely terminated due to an accumulation of adverse events (AEs, skin lesions), so that only 11 patients were included. Feasibility was good. Safety monitoring was not sufficient enough to detect or prevent AEs within an appropriate timeframe. Regarding antidepressant effects, the reduction in depression scales over time was significant. However, active tDCS was not superior to sham tDCS in this regard. Both the conclusions from this review and the HomeDC trial show that there are several critical issues with the use of tDCS at home that need to be addressed. Nevertheless the array of transcranial electric simulation (TES) methods that this mode of application offers, including tDCS, is highly interesting and warrants further investigation in high quality RCTs. TRIAL REGISTRATION www. CLINICALTRIALS gov . TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05172505. Registration date: 12/13/2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05172505 . *Consider, if feasible to do so, reporting the number of records identified from each database or register searched (rather than the total number across all databases/registers) **If automation tools were used, indicate how many records were excluded by a human and how many were excluded by automation tools From: Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM, Boutron I, Hoffmann TC, Mulrow CD, et al. The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ 2021;372:n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71 . For more information, visit: http://www.prisma-statement.org/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Kumpf
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany.
| | - Ulrich Palm
- Medicalpark Chiemseeblick, Bernau-Felden, Germany
| | - Julia Eder
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Harry Ezim
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Stadler
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerrit Burkhardt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Esther Dechantsreiter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Frank Padberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
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Intracranial Monitoring to Verify Novel Transcranial Electric Stimulation in an Epileptic Swine Model. ELECTRONICS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/electronics11142195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Invasive deep brain stimulation has proven to be clinically therapeutic for patients with drug-refractory epilepsy. The aim of this study was to develop a novel transcranial electrical device as a noninvasive stimulation modality for seizure treatment. We fabricated a novel transcranial electrical device and tested it in four swine brains with depth electrodes surgically implanted under neuro-navigation. Stimulation with two high-frequency alternating currents was used to cause an interference envelope. Acute focal epilepsy was induced by a subcortical injection of penicillin and specific anesthesia protocol. The frequency and electric field of the stimulation in the hippocampus were investigated. The two frequencies (2 k and 2.14 kHz) of stimulation successfully caused an envelope of 140 Hz. With 1 mA stimulation, the electric field degraded gradually and induced an in situ electric field of 0.68 mV/mm in the hippocampi. The interference mode transcranial electric stimulation attenuated the originally induced epileptic form discharges. No neuronal or axonal injuries were noted histopathologically after the stimulation. The feasibility and biosafety of our proposed device were preliminarily verified. Future translational research should focus on the electrode deposition and stimulation parameters for a quantitative therapeutic effect.
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Videira AS, Canadas D, De O Pires L, Andrade A, Ferreira HA, Miranda PC, Fernandes SR. How the Number and Distance of Electrodes Change the Induced Electric Field in the Cortex during Multichannel tDCS. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2022; 2022:2357-2360. [PMID: 36086582 DOI: 10.1109/embc48229.2022.9871114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Multichannel transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising approach to target neuromodulation of neural networks by making use of variable number of electrodes and distances to facilitate/inhibit specific connectivity patterns. Optimization of the electric field (EF) spatial distribution through computational models can provide a more accurate definition of the stimulation settings that are more effective. In this study, we investigate the effect of increasing the number of cathodes around a central anode placed over the target. We demonstrate that anode-cathode distance has the largest influence in the EF and using more than 3 cathodes did not result in considerable changes in the EF magnitude and direction. This could be relevant for simultaneous tDCS-electroencephalography (EEG) applications, by saving electrode positions for EEG acquisition. Clinical Relevance- This study demonstrates that distance between electrodes is more relevant than electrode number in determining the electric field distribution, and that a highly-focused stimulation can be equally effective with fewer electrodes.
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Benussi A, Cantoni V, Grassi M, Brechet L, Michel CM, Datta A, Thomas C, Gazzina S, Cotelli MS, Bianchi M, Premi E, Gadola Y, Cotelli M, Pengo M, Perrone F, Scolaro M, Archetti S, Solje E, Padovani A, Pascual-Leone A, Borroni B. Increasing brain gamma activity improves episodic memory and restores cholinergic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. Ann Neurol 2022; 92:322-334. [PMID: 35607946 PMCID: PMC9546168 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether non-invasive brain stimulation with transcranial alternating current stimulation at gamma-frequency (γ-tACS) applied over the precuneus can improve episodic memory and modulate cholinergic transmission by modulating cerebral rhythms in early Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS In this randomized, double-blind, sham controlled, crossover study, 60 AD patients underwent a clinical and neurophysiological evaluation including assessment of episodic memory and cholinergic transmission pre- and post- 60 minutes treatment with γ-tACS targeting the precuneus or sham tACS. In a subset of 10 patients, EEG analysis and individualized modelling of electric field distribution were carried out. Predictors to γ-tACS efficacy were evaluated. RESULTS We observed a significant improvement in the Rey auditory verbal learning (RAVL) test immediate recall (p<0.001) and delayed recall scores (p<0.001) after γ-tACS but not after sham tACS. Face-name associations scores improved with γ-tACS (p<0.001) but not after sham tACS. Short latency afferent inhibition, an indirect measure of cholinergic transmission, increased only after γ-tACS (p<0.001). ApoE genotype and baseline cognitive impairment were the best predictors of response to γ-tACS. Clinical improvement correlated with the increase in gamma frequencies in posterior regions and with the amount of predicted electric field distribution in the precuneus. INTERPRETATION Precuneus γ-tACS, able to increase γ-power activity on the posterior brain regions, showed a significant improvement of episodic memory performances, along with restoration of intracortical excitability measures of cholinergic transmission. Response to γ-tACS was dependent on genetic factors and disease stage. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Benussi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Cantoni
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mario Grassi
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, Medical and Genomic Statistics Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lucie Brechet
- Functional Brain Mapping Laboratory, Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Christoph M Michel
- Functional Brain Mapping Laboratory, Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Center for Biomedical Imaging (CIBM), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Abhishek Datta
- Research & Development, Soterix Medical, Inc., New York, USA
| | - Chris Thomas
- Research & Development, Soterix Medical, Inc., New York, USA
| | - Stefano Gazzina
- Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Marta Bianchi
- Neurology Unit, Valle Camonica Hospital, Esine, Brescia, Italy
| | - Enrico Premi
- Stroke Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Yasmine Gadola
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Cotelli
- Neuropsychology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia
| | - Marta Pengo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Federica Perrone
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Scolaro
- Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvana Archetti
- Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, Diagnostic Department, ASST Spedali Civili Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Eino Solje
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Neuro center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Alessandro Padovani
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alvaro Pascual-Leone
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research and Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, MA, USA.,Guttmann Brain Health Institut, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Barbara Borroni
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
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Tolerability and feasibility of at-home remotely supervised transcranial direct current stimulation (RS-tDCS): Single-center evidence from 6,779 sessions. Brain Stimul 2022; 15:707-716. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2022.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Shibuya K, Otani R, Suzuki YI, Kuwabara S, Kiernan MC. Neuronal Hyperexcitability and Free Radical Toxicity in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Established and Future Targets. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15040433. [PMID: 35455429 PMCID: PMC9025031 DOI: 10.3390/ph15040433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disease with evidence of degeneration involving upper and lower motor neuron compartments of the nervous system. Presently, two drugs, riluzole and edaravone, have been established as being useful in slowing disease progression in ALS. Riluzole possesses anti-glutamatergic properties, while edaravone eliminates free radicals (FRs). Glutamate is the excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and spinal cord and binds to several inotropic receptors. Excessive activation of these receptors generates FRs, inducing neurodegeneration via damage to intracellular organelles and upregulation of proinflammatory mediators. FRs bind to intracellular structures, leading to cellular impairment that contributes to neurodegeneration. As such, excitotoxicity and FR toxicities have been considered as key pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to the cascade of degeneration that envelopes neurons in ALS. Recent advanced technologies, including neurophysiological, imaging, pathological and biochemical techniques, have concurrently identified evidence of increased excitability in ALS. This review focuses on the relationship between FRs and excitotoxicity in motor neuronal degeneration in ALS and introduces concepts linked to increased excitability across both compartments of the human nervous system. Within this cellular framework, future strategies to promote therapeutic development in ALS, from the perspective of neuronal excitability and function, will be critically appraised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumoto Shibuya
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8677, Japan; (K.S.); (R.O.); (Y.-i.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Ryo Otani
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8677, Japan; (K.S.); (R.O.); (Y.-i.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Yo-ichi Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8677, Japan; (K.S.); (R.O.); (Y.-i.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Satoshi Kuwabara
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8677, Japan; (K.S.); (R.O.); (Y.-i.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Matthew C. Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre, Department of Neurology, University of Sydney, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney 2050, Australia
- Correspondence:
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11
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Herrmann C, Schradt F, Lindner-Pfleghar B, Schuster J, Ludolph AC, Dorst J. Pharyngeal electrical stimulation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a pilot study. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2022; 15:17562864211068394. [PMID: 35154390 PMCID: PMC8832561 DOI: 10.1177/17562864211068394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) suffer from dysphagia that increases the risk for aspiration, pneumonia and weight loss. Pharyngeal electrical stimulation (PES) is a therapeutic technique that applies electric stimuli to the patient’s pharynx in order to improve swallowing based on the principle of cortical plasticity and reorganization. Previous studies have demonstrated positive effects in patients with various neurological diseases. Objective: This study was initiated to investigate the effect of PES on swallowing function in patients with ALS. Methods: In all, 20 ALS patients with severe dysphagia [characterized by a Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS) of at least 4 in thin liquid] were randomized to receive either PES for 10 min at 3 consecutive days in addition to Standard Logopaedic Therapy (SLT) or SLT alone. Swallowing function was evaluated by Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) at five timepoints: at baseline, 1 day, 4 days, 3 weeks and 3 months after treatment. Primary endpoint was the severity of penetrations or aspirations as classified by PAS. Secondary endpoints were adverse events, dysphagia-related quality of life, Swallowing Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL), Dysphagia Severity Rating Scale (DSRS), residues, leaking, ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised (ALSFRS-R), and the performance in Clinical Evaluation of Swallowing (CES). The trial is registered under the name of ‘Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis’ with ClinialTrials.gov, number NCT03481348 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03481348). Results: Both groups combined showed a significant improvement (p = 0.003) of median Total-PAS from 3.6 [interquartile range (IQR) = 2.9–5.0] at baseline to 2.3 (IQR = 1.8–4.0) 1 day after treatment. During subsequent study visits, PAS increased again but remained below baseline. PES and control group did not differ significantly 1 day after intervention (p = 0.32). Similar effects were found in the majority of secondary endpoints. Interpretation: The findings suggest that PES may not provide an additional positive effect on swallowing function in ALS. SLT seems to yield at least short-term positive effects on swallowing function and swallowing-specific life quality in ALS. Registration: ClinialTrials.gov: NCT03481348
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Falk Schradt
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Albert C. Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm, Germany
| | - Johannes Dorst
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
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Rangarajan SK, Suhas S, Reddy MSS, Sreeraj VS, Sivakumar PT, Venkatasubramanian G. Domiciliary tDCS in Geriatric Psychiatric Disorders: Opportunities and Challenges. Indian J Psychol Med 2021; 43:351-356. [PMID: 34385730 PMCID: PMC8327869 DOI: 10.1177/02537176211003666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Subhashini K Rangarajan
- Dept. of Clinical Neurosciences, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Satish Suhas
- Dept. of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Mukku Shiva Shanker Reddy
- Geriatric Clinic and Services, Dept. of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Vanteemar S Sreeraj
- WISER Neuromodulation Programme, Dept. of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Palanimuthu Thangaraju Sivakumar
- Geriatric Clinic and Services, Dept. of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Ganesan Venkatasubramanian
- WISER Neuromodulation Programme, Dept. of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Ranieri F, Mariotto S, Dubbioso R, Di Lazzaro V. Brain Stimulation as a Therapeutic Tool in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Current Status and Interaction With Mechanisms of Altered Cortical Excitability. Front Neurol 2021; 11:605335. [PMID: 33613416 PMCID: PMC7892772 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.605335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last 20 years, several modalities of neuromodulation, mainly based on non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques, have been tested as a non-pharmacological therapeutic approach to slow disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In both sporadic and familial ALS cases, neurophysiological studies point to motor cortical hyperexcitability as a possible priming factor in neurodegeneration, likely related to dysfunction of both excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms. A trans-synaptic anterograde mechanism of excitotoxicity is thus postulated, causing upper and lower motor neuron degeneration. Specifically, motor neuron hyperexcitability and hyperactivity are attributed to intrinsic cell abnormalities related to altered ion homeostasis and to impaired glutamate and gamma aminobutyric acid gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling. Several neuropathological mechanisms support excitatory and synaptic dysfunction in ALS; additionally, hyperexcitability seems to drive DNA-binding protein 43-kDA (TDP-43) pathology, through the upregulation of unusual isoforms directly contributing to ASL pathophysiology. Corticospinal excitability can be suppressed or enhanced using NIBS techniques, namely, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), as well as invasive brain and spinal stimulation. Experimental evidence supports the hypothesis that the after-effects of NIBS are mediated by long-term potentiation (LTP)-/long-term depression (LTD)-like mechanisms of modulation of synaptic activity, with different biological and physiological mechanisms underlying the effects of tDCS and rTMS and, possibly, of different rTMS protocols. This potential has led to several small trials testing different stimulation interventions to antagonize excitotoxicity in ALS. Overall, these studies suggest a possible efficacy of neuromodulation in determining a slight reduction of disease progression, related to the type, duration, and frequency of treatment, but current evidence remains preliminary. Main limitations are the small number and heterogeneity of recruited patients, the limited "dosage" of brain stimulation that can be delivered in the hospital setting, the lack of a sufficient knowledge on the excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms targeted by specific stimulation interventions, and the persistent uncertainty on the key pathophysiological processes leading to motor neuron loss. The present review article provides an update on the state of the art of neuromodulation in ALS and a critical appraisal of the rationale for the application/optimization of brain stimulation interventions, in the light of their interaction with ALS pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Ranieri
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Sara Mariotto
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Raffaele Dubbioso
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Lazzaro
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
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14
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Zaer H, Fan W, Orlowski D, Glud AN, Andersen ASM, Schneider MB, Adler JR, Stroh A, Sørensen JCH. A Perspective of International Collaboration Through Web-Based Telecommunication-Inspired by COVID-19 Crisis. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:577465. [PMID: 33328931 PMCID: PMC7719753 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.577465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The tsunami effect of the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting many aspects of scientific activities. Multidisciplinary experimental studies with international collaborators are hindered by the closing of the national borders, logistic issues due to lockdown, quarantine restrictions, and social distancing requirements. The full impact of this crisis on science is not clear yet, but the above-mentioned issues have most certainly restrained academic research activities. Sharing innovative solutions between researchers is in high demand in this situation. The aim of this paper is to share our successful practice of using web-based communication and remote control software for real-time long-distance control of brain stimulation. This solution may guide and encourage researchers to cope with restrictions and has the potential to help expanding international collaborations by lowering travel time and costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Zaer
- Department of Neurosurgery-Center for Experimental Neuroscience (CENSE), Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Wei Fan
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, Mainz, Germany
| | - Dariusz Orlowski
- Department of Neurosurgery-Center for Experimental Neuroscience (CENSE), Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Andreas N Glud
- Department of Neurosurgery-Center for Experimental Neuroscience (CENSE), Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne S M Andersen
- Department of Neurosurgery-Center for Experimental Neuroscience (CENSE), Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - M Bret Schneider
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States.,Zap Surgical Systems, Inc., San Carlos, CA, United States
| | - John R Adler
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States.,Zap Surgical Systems, Inc., San Carlos, CA, United States
| | - Albrecht Stroh
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, Mainz, Germany.,Institute for Pathophysiology, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jens C H Sørensen
- Department of Neurosurgery-Center for Experimental Neuroscience (CENSE), Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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15
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Di Lazzaro V, Musumeci G, Boscarino M, De Liso A, Motolese F, Di Pino G, Capone F, Ranieri F. Transcranial static magnetic field stimulation can modify disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain Stimul 2020; 14:51-54. [PMID: 33186779 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Di Lazzaro
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Álvaro Del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Musumeci
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Álvaro Del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Marilisa Boscarino
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Álvaro Del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Alfredo De Liso
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Álvaro Del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Motolese
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Álvaro Del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Pino
- Research Unit of Neurophysiology and Neuroengineering of Human-Technology Interaction (NeXTlab), Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Álvaro Del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Fioravante Capone
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Álvaro Del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Ranieri
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, P.le L.A. Scuro 10, 37134, Verona, Italy
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16
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Feasibility and Safety of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in an Outpatient Rehabilitation Setting After Stroke. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10100719. [PMID: 33050340 PMCID: PMC7599981 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10100719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has strong potential for outpatient clinical use, but feasibility and safety of tDCS has only been evaluated in laboratory and inpatient clinical settings. The objective of this study was to assess feasibility and safety of tDCS for stroke in an outpatient clinical setting. Individuals with stroke in outpatient therapy received tDCS during physical therapy sessions. Feasibility was assessed with screening, enrollment, withdrawal, and adherence numbers, tDCS impressions, and perceived benefits and detriments of tDCS. Acute changes in fatigue and self-reported function and pre-post changes in fatigue were also assessed. Safety was assessed as adverse events and side effects. In total, 85 individuals were screened, and 10 were enrolled. Most exclusions were unrelated to clinical feasibility. In total, 3 participants withdrew, so 7 participants completed 2 sessions/week for 5–6 weeks with 100% adherence. In total, 71% reported positive impressions of tDCS. tDCS setup decreased to 5–7 min at end of study. There was one adverse event unrelated to tDCS. Mild to moderate side effects (tingling, itching, pinching, and fatigue) were experienced. In total, 86% of participants recounted benefits of tDCS. There were acute improvements in function and energy. Results support the feasibility and safety of tDCS in an outpatient clinical setting.
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17
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Bikson M, Hanlon CA, Woods AJ, Gillick BT, Charvet L, Lamm C, Madeo G, Holczer A, Almeida J, Antal A, Ay MR, Baeken C, Blumberger DM, Campanella S, Camprodon JA, Christiansen L, Loo C, Crinion JT, Fitzgerald P, Gallimberti L, Ghobadi-Azbari P, Ghodratitoostani I, Grabner RH, Hartwigsen G, Hirata A, Kirton A, Knotkova H, Krupitsky E, Marangolo P, Nakamura-Palacios EM, Potok W, Praharaj SK, Ruff CC, Schlaug G, Siebner HR, Stagg CJ, Thielscher A, Wenderoth N, Yuan TF, Zhang X, Ekhtiari H. Guidelines for TMS/tES clinical services and research through the COVID-19 pandemic. Brain Stimul 2020; 13:1124-1149. [PMID: 32413554 PMCID: PMC7217075 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2020.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has broadly disrupted biomedical treatment and research including non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS). Moreover, the rapid onset of societal disruption and evolving regulatory restrictions may not have allowed for systematic planning of how clinical and research work may continue throughout the pandemic or be restarted as restrictions are abated. The urgency to provide and develop NIBS as an intervention for diverse neurological and mental health indications, and as a catalyst of fundamental brain research, is not dampened by the parallel efforts to address the most life-threatening aspects of COVID-19; rather in many cases the need for NIBS is heightened including the potential to mitigate mental health consequences related to COVID-19. OBJECTIVE To facilitate the re-establishment of access to NIBS clinical services and research operations during the current COVID-19 pandemic and possible future outbreaks, we develop and discuss a framework for balancing the importance of NIBS operations with safety considerations, while addressing the needs of all stakeholders. We focus on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and low intensity transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES) - including transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS). METHODS The present consensus paper provides guidelines and good practices for managing and reopening NIBS clinics and laboratories through the immediate and ongoing stages of COVID-19. The document reflects the analysis of experts with domain-relevant expertise spanning NIBS technology, clinical services, and basic and clinical research - with an international perspective. We outline regulatory aspects, human resources, NIBS optimization, as well as accommodations for specific demographics. RESULTS A model based on three phases (early COVID-19 impact, current practices, and future preparation) with an 11-step checklist (spanning removing or streamlining in-person protocols, incorporating telemedicine, and addressing COVID-19-associated adverse events) is proposed. Recommendations on implementing social distancing and sterilization of NIBS related equipment, specific considerations of COVID-19 positive populations including mental health comorbidities, as well as considerations regarding regulatory and human resource in the era of COVID-19 are outlined. We discuss COVID-19 considerations specifically for clinical (sub-)populations including pediatric, stroke, addiction, and the elderly. Numerous case-examples across the world are described. CONCLUSION There is an evident, and in cases urgent, need to maintain NIBS operations through the COVID-19 pandemic, including anticipating future pandemic waves and addressing effects of COVID-19 on brain and mind. The proposed robust and structured strategy aims to address the current and anticipated future challenges while maintaining scientific rigor and managing risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marom Bikson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of New York of CUNY, New York, NY, USA
| | - Colleen A Hanlon
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Adam J Woods
- Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, McKnight Brain Institute, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Bernadette T Gillick
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, MN, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Leigh Charvet
- Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Claus Lamm
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Adrienn Holczer
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Health Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Jorge Almeida
- Proaction Lab, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal; CINEICC, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Andrea Antal
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Institute of Medical Psychology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Mohammad Reza Ay
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Chris Baeken
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital (UZBrussel), Brussels, Belgium; Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel M Blumberger
- Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Salvatore Campanella
- Laboratoire de Psychologie Médicale et D'Addiction, ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Place Vangehuchten, B-1020, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joan A Camprodon
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lasse Christiansen
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance (DRCMR), Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Colleen Loo
- School of Psychiatry & Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jennifer T Crinion
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Fitzgerald
- Epworth Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, Epworth HealthCare and Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Camberwell, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Peyman Ghobadi-Azbari
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran; Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Iman Ghodratitoostani
- Neurocognitive Engineering Laboratory (NEL), Center for Mathematical Sciences Applied to Industry, Institute of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roland H Grabner
- Educational Neuroscience, Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Austria
| | - Gesa Hartwigsen
- Lise Meitner Research Group Cognition and Plasticity, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Akimasa Hirata
- Department of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Adam Kirton
- Departments of Pediatrics and Clinical Neuroscience, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Helena Knotkova
- MJHS Institute for Innovation in Palliative Care, New York, NY, USA; Department of Family and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, The Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Evgeny Krupitsky
- First Pavlov State Medical University, V. M. Bekhterev National Research Medical Center for Psychiatry and Neurology, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Paola Marangolo
- Department of Humanities Studies, University Federico II, Naples, Italy; Aphasia Research Lab, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Weronika Potok
- Neural Control of Movement Lab, Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Samir K Praharaj
- Department of Psychiatry, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Christian C Ruff
- Zurich Center for Neuroeconomics (ZNE), Department of Economics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gottfried Schlaug
- Neuroimaging-Neuromodulation and Stroke Recovery Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Baystate Medical Center, UMass Medical School, MA, USA
| | - Hartwig R Siebner
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance (DRCMR), Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte J Stagg
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging and MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Axel Thielscher
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance (DRCMR), Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark; Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nicole Wenderoth
- Neural Control of Movement Lab, Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ti-Fei Yuan
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaochu Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease and School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, China
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Benussi A, Dell'Era V, Cosseddu M, Cantoni V, Cotelli MS, Cotelli M, Manenti R, Benussi L, Brattini C, Alberici A, Borroni B. Transcranial stimulation in frontotemporal dementia: A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2020; 6:e12033. [PMID: 32490143 PMCID: PMC7253155 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a progressive disease for which no curative treatment is currently available. We aimed to determine whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can modulate intracortical connectivity and improve cognition in symptomatic FTD patients and presymptomatic FTD subjects. METHODS We performed a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial with anodal tDCS or sham stimulation over the left prefrontal cortex in 70 participants (15 presymptomatic and 55 symptomatic FTD). RESULTS We observed a significant increase of intracortical connectivity (short interval intracortical inhibition and facilitation) and improvement in clinical scores and behavioral disturbances in both symptomatic FTD patients and presymptomatic carriers after real tDCS but not after sham stimulation. DISCUSSION A 2-weeks' treatment with anodal left prefrontal tDCS improves symptoms and restores intracortical inhibitory and excitatory circuits in both symptomatic FTD patients and presymptomatic carriers. tDCS might represent a promising future therapeutic and rehabilitative approach in patients with FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Benussi
- Neurology UnitDepartment of Clinical and Experimental SciencesUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
| | - Valentina Dell'Era
- Neurology UnitDepartment of Clinical and Experimental SciencesUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
| | | | - Valentina Cantoni
- Neurology UnitDepartment of Clinical and Experimental SciencesUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
| | | | - Maria Cotelli
- Neuropsychology UnitIRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio FatebenefratelliBresciaItaly
| | - Rosa Manenti
- Neuropsychology UnitIRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio FatebenefratelliBresciaItaly
| | - Luisa Benussi
- Molecular Markers LaboratoryIRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio FatebenefratelliBresciaItaly
| | - Chiara Brattini
- Neurology UnitDepartment of Clinical and Experimental SciencesUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
| | | | - Barbara Borroni
- Neurology UnitDepartment of Clinical and Experimental SciencesUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
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