Cerebellar Neuromodulation for Stroke

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis paper reviews the current preclinical and clinical evidence for cerebellar deep brain stimulation for stroke rehabilitation.Recent FindingsWe have demonstrated the effectiveness of cerebellar stimulation for stroke rehabilitation in rodent models, which has been reproduced by other groups. Synaptogenesis, neurogenesis, and vicariation of function in the perilesional cortex likely contribute to the mechanistic underpinnings of the effectiveness of this therapy. A Phase I clinical trial investigating dentate nucleus stimulation for improvement of hemiparesis due to stroke is currently underway, and results thus far are encouraging.SummaryActivation of the rodent cerebellar dentate nucleus promotes functional motor recovery following stroke. Although results of a Phase I clinical trial are pending, substantial preclinical evidence indicates that deep brain stimulation of the dentate nucleus is a promising therapeutic modality.

Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - February 19, 2020 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research