IS 27. Brain stimulation in stroke therapy

Non-invasive brain stimulation has shown its potential to modulate brain plasticity and enhance the effects of training in humans (Zimerman et al., Ann Neurol; 2012). Endeavour has been made to utilize brain stimulation in neurological diseases to enhance adaptive processes and prevent potential maladaptive ones. First studies presented evidence that non-invasive brain stimulation might not only transiently improve functions of the paretic hand, but can also modulate processes of learning (Zimerman et al., Stroke; 2012), a basis to achieve longer lasting effects. Based on this enhancement of functional recovery of both, sensorimotor and higher cognitive impairment (such as aphasia and neglect), by brain stimulation has been addressed in stroke. In the present talk, an update of the field of non-invasive brain stimulation to improve motor and higher cognitive functions in patients suffering from stroke will be presented. The recent pathophysiological grounds for therapeutic approaches based on brain stimulation will be provided in the framework of the actual controversial discussion of the field. At the end briefly the potential developments and future directions of this research topic will be discussed.
Source: Clinical Neurophysiology - Category: Neuroscience Authors: Tags: Society Proceedings Source Type: research