Deep brain stimulation for stroke: Current uses and future directions

Publication date: Available online 12 October 2017 Source:Brain Stimulation Author(s): Gavin J.B. Elias, Andrew A. Namasivayam, Andres M. Lozano Background Survivors of stroke often experience significant disability and impaired quality of life related to ongoing maladaptive responses and persistent neurologic deficits. Novel therapeutic options are urgently needed to augment current approaches. One way to promote recovery and ameliorate symptoms may be to electrically stimulate the surviving brain. Various forms of brain stimulation have been investigated for use in stroke, including deep brain stimulation (DBS). Objective/methods We conducted a comprehensive literature review in order to 1) review the use of DBS to treat post stroke maladaptive responses including pain, dystonia, dyskinesias, and tremor and 2) assess the use and potential utility of DBS for enhancing plasticity and recovery from post-stroke neurologic deficits. Results/conclusions A large variety of brain structures have been targeted in post-stroke patients, including motor thalamus, sensory thalamus, basal ganglia nuclei, internal capsule, and periventricular/periaqueductal grey. Overall, the reviewed clinical literature suggests a role for DBS in the management of several post-stroke maladaptive responses. More limited evidence was identified regarding DBS for post-stroke motor deficits, although existing work tentatively suggests DBS—particularly DBS targeting the posterior limb of the internal...
Source: Brain Stimulation - Category: Neurology Source Type: research