Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) and motor recovery after stroke

Publication date: Available online 23 August 2014 Source:Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Author(s): M. Simonetta-Moreau Recovery of motor function after stroke occurs largely on the basis of a sustained capacity of the adult brain for plastic changes. This brain plasticity has been validated by functional imaging and electrophysiological studies. Various concepts of how to enhance beneficial plasticity and in turn improve functional recovery are emerging based on the concept of functional interhemispheric balance between the two motor cortices. Besides conventional rehabilitation interventions and the most recent neuropharmacological approaches, non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has recently been proposed as an add-on method to promote motor function recovery after stroke. Several methods can be used based either on transcranial magnetic stimulation (repetitive mode: rTMS, TBS) via a coil, or small electric current via larges electrodes placed on the scalp, (transcranial direct current stimulation tDCS). Depending on the different electrophysiological parameters of stimulation used, NIBS can induce a transient modulation of the excitability of the stimulated motor cortex (facilitation or inhibition) via a probable LTP-LTD-like mechanism. Several small studies have shown feasible and positive treatment effects for most of these strategies and their potential clinical relevance to help restoring the disruption of interhemispheric imbalance after stroke....
Source: Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine - Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research