scholarly journals Implicit Motor Imagery and the Lateral Occipitotemporal Cortex: Hints for Tailoring Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (16) ◽  
pp. 5851 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimiliano Conson ◽  
Roberta Cecere ◽  
Chiara Baiano ◽  
Francesco De Bellis ◽  
Gabriela Forgione ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Imagery ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Dominant Hand ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Implicit Motor ◽  
Left And Right ◽  
Occipitotemporal Cortex ◽  
Biomechanical Effect ◽  
Motor Representations

Background: Recent evidence has converged in showing that the lateral occipitotemporal cortex is over-recruited during implicit motor imagery in elderly and in patients with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease. These data suggest that when automatically imaging movements, individuals exploit neural resources in the visual areas to compensate for the decline in activating motor representations. Thus, the occipitotemporal cortex could represent a cortical target of non-invasive brain stimulation combined with cognitive training to enhance motor imagery performance. Here, we aimed at shedding light on the role of the left and right lateral occipitotemporal cortex in implicit motor imagery. Methods: We applied online, high-frequency, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the left and right lateral occipitotemporal cortex while healthy right-handers judged the laterality of hand images. Results: With respect to the sham condition, left hemisphere stimulation specifically reduced accuracy in judging the laterality of right-hand images. Instead, the hallmark of motor simulation, i.e., the biomechanical effect, was never influenced by rTMS. Conclusions: The lateral occipitotemporal cortex seems to be involved in mental representation of the dominant hand, at least in right-handers, but not in reactivating sensorimotor information during simulation. These findings provide useful hints for developing combined brain stimulation and behavioural trainings to improve motor imagery.

scholarly journals Non-Invasive Cerebellar Stimulation in Neurodegenerative Ataxia: A Literature Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1948 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Benussi ◽  
Alvaro Pascual-Leone ◽  
Barbara Borroni
Keyword(s):  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Physiological Activity ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Therapeutic Trials ◽  
Degenerative Disorders ◽  
Heterogenous Group ◽  
Cerebellar Ataxias ◽  
Specific Stimulation

Cerebellar ataxias are a heterogenous group of degenerative disorders for which we currently lack effective and disease-modifying interventions. The field of non-invasive brain stimulation has made much progress in the development of specific stimulation protocols to modulate cerebellar excitability and try to restore the physiological activity of the cerebellum in patients with ataxia. In light of limited evidence-based pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment options for patients with ataxia, several different non-invasive brain stimulation protocols have emerged, particularly employing repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) techniques. In this review, we summarize the most relevant rTMS and tDCS therapeutic trials and discuss their implications in the care of patients with degenerative ataxias.

Brain stimulation methods for patients with schizophrenia – new therapies on the horizon?

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (03) ◽  
pp. 145-151
Author(s):  
U. Palm ◽  
F. Padberg ◽  
T. Wobrock ◽  
A. Hasan
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Efficacy ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Temporal Cortex ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Good Tolerability ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Meta Analyses

Summary Background: Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques offer new promising treatment options in schizophrenia. However, the evidence from meta-analyses and randomized clinical studies is limited. Results: For repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) the clinical efficacy is highest for the 1-Hz rTMS over the left temporal cortex to improve auditory hallucinations, nevertheless there are studies showing no benefit. For negative symptoms rTMS could be offered keeping in mind the good tolerability. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has a good risk-benefit ratio, but the evidence for schizophrenia symptoms is still derived from small sample studies. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the treatment option with the highest clinical efficacy for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, catatonia or other defined treatment circumstances, but has more adverse side effects. More research is needed to understand which stimulation technique could be recommended for a certain patient.

scholarly journals The heart side of brain neuromodulation

2016 ◽  
Vol 374 (2067) ◽  
pp. 20150187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Rossi ◽  
Emiliano Santarnecchi ◽  
Gaetano Valenza ◽  
Monica Ulivelli
Keyword(s):  
Basal Ganglia ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Heart Function ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Pharmacoresistant Epilepsy ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Vital Functions

Neuromodulation refers to invasive, minimally invasive or non-invasive techniques to stimulate discrete cortical or subcortical brain regions with therapeutic purposes in otherwise intractable patients: for example, thousands of advanced Parkinsonian patients, as well as patients with tremor or dystonia, benefited by deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedures (neural targets: basal ganglia nuclei). A new era for DBS is currently opening for patients with drug-resistant depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, severe epilepsy, migraine and chronic pain (neural targets: basal ganglia and other subcortical nuclei or associative fibres). Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) has shown clinical benefits in patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy and depression. Non-invasive brain stimulation neuromodulatory techniques such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are also being increasingly investigated for their therapeutic potential in several neurological and psychiatric disorders. In this review, we first address the most common neural targets of each of the mentioned brain stimulation techniques, and the known mechanisms of their neuromodulatory action on stimulated brain networks. Then, we discuss how DBS, VNS, rTMS and tDCS could impact on the function of brainstem centres controlling vital functions, critically reviewing their acute and long-term effects on brain sympathetic outflow controlling heart function and blood pressure. Finally, as there is clear experimental evidence in animals that brain stimulation can affect autonomic and heart functions, we will try to give a critical perspective on how it may enhance our understanding of the cortical/subcortical mechanisms of autonomic cardiovascular regulation, and also if it might find a place among therapeutic opportunities in patients with otherwise intractable autonomic dysfunctions.

Enhancement of neuroplasticity by cortical stimulation

2015 ◽  
pp. 174-192
Author(s):  
Orlando Swayne ◽  
John Rothwell
Keyword(s):  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Cortical Stimulation ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
High Frequencies ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Healthy Humans ◽  
Motor Cortex Excitability ◽  
Cathodal Stimulation

There is evidence that behavioural gains made by patients undergoing neurorehabilitation depend at least in part on training-induced synaptic plasticity. Non-invasive cortical stimulation induces changes in synaptic strength in healthy humans which outlast the period of stimulation, and therefore may interact with and potentially enhance the process of rehabilitation in patients. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation can reduce motor cortex excitability at low frequencies or increase it at high frequencies. Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation can increase excitability while cathodal stimulation can reduce it.. Brain stimulation has mainly been examined in patients with stroke, aiming to increase excitability in the stroke hemisphere or reduce it in the contralesional hemisphere. Beneficial effects have been reported but it has proved difficult to reproduce results with greater numbers. This likely reflects a lack of understanding of stimulation mechanisms, high response variability with current protocols, and the diversity of protocols tested.These issues must be resolved before brain stimulation can enter clinical practice.

scholarly journals Brain Stimulation in Eating Disorders: State of the Art and Future Perspectives

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 2358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philibert Duriez ◽  
Rami Bou Khalil ◽  
Yara Chamoun ◽  
Redwan Maatoug ◽  
Robertas Strumila ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Research Domain ◽  
Deep Brain

The management of eating disorders (EDs) is still difficult and few treatments are effective. Recently, several studies have described the important contribution of non-invasive brain stimulation (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and electroconvulsive therapy) and invasive brain stimulation (deep brain stimulation and vagal nerve stimulation) for ED management. This review summarizes the available evidence supporting the use of brain stimulation in ED. All published studies on brain stimulation in ED as well as ongoing trials registered at clinicaltrials.gov were examined. Articles on neuromodulation research and perspective articles were also included. This analysis indicates that brain stimulation in EDs is still in its infancy. Literature data consist mainly of case reports, cases series, open studies, and only a few randomized controlled trials. Consequently, the evidence supporting the use of brain stimulation in EDs remains weak. Finally, this review discusses future directions in this research domain (e.g., sites of modulation, how to enhance neuromodulation efficacy, personalized protocols).

scholarly journals Non-invasive brain stimulation and fear extinction. A systematic review

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin J. Herrmann
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Fear Extinction ◽  
Additional Benefit ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Stimulation Parameters ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Therapeutic Measures

Background: Despite the high prevalence of stress- and anxiety-related disorders, corresponding therapeutic measures have not yet reached their full potential. Recently, a number of studies have investigated the additional benefit of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) in the psychotherapy of anxiety disorders. In order to further improve the effectiveness of brain stimulation in combination with psychotherapy, it is necessary to focus more on the modulation of therapy-relevant learning processes. Methods: This systematic review presents the studies to date that have investigated modulation of fear extinction in humans using NIBS. Results: A total of 7 studies were identified and analyzed using either repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for fear extinction. Conclusions: The review shows that NIBS can improve extinction learning. The transfer of these results into clinical trials has already begun and will provide clarity on the optimal stimulation parameters in the coming years.

scholarly journals Modulating Visuomotor Sequence Learning by Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: What Do We Know So Far?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Szucs-Bencze ◽  
Teodora Vekony ◽  
Orsolya Pesthy ◽  
Nikoletta Szabo ◽  
Zsigmond Tamas Kincses ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Sequence Learning ◽  
Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Primary Motor Cortex ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Reaction Time Task ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Dorsolateral Prefrontal

Sequence learning and statistical learning are key components of predictive processes and many cognitive, motor, and social skills. The Serial Reaction Time Task (SRTT) can measure this fundamental cognitive process in the visuomotor domain. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an increasingly used non-invasive brain stimulation method that can help us to determine the functional role of a given brain region. In this literature review, we systematically analyzed the eligible records (n = 17) that sought to modulate the performance on the SRTT with rTMS. The purpose of the analysis was to determine the effects of the following factors on SRTT performance: (1) stimulated brain areas, (2) rTMS protocols, (3) stimulated hemisphere, (4) timing of the stimulation, (5) SRTT sequence properties, and (6) other methodological features. We found that the two most promising target areas are the primary motor cortex (M1) and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Low-frequency protocols over the M1 usually weakened performance, but the results are less consistent for the DLPFC. Our analysis of these six factors could help design future studies to modulate sequence learning by non-invasive brain stimulation.

Brain Stimulation Treatments for Depression

2016 ◽  
pp. 397-410
Author(s):  
Mark S. George ◽  
E. Baron Short ◽  
Suzanne E. Kerns
Keyword(s):  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Systemic Treatments ◽  
Stimulation Method ◽  
Treatment Refractory ◽  
Depressive Episodes ◽  
Stimulation Of

The use of brain stimulation for the treatment and investigation of mood disorders is rapidly expanding. Mood disorders are common, but so are treatment-refractory or intolerant patients, explaining increasing interest in alternatives to medications and talk therapy. Additionally, depressive episodes are periodic or temporary states and are thus amenable to pulsatile, non-systemic treatments. The oldest brain stimulation method, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), remains the most effective acute antidepressant available. The newer brain stimulation methods, in particular repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), also show that non-invasive stimulation of key brain regions not only effectively treats depression, but also causes quantifiable changes in brain biomarkers. More research is needed, though, to better understand how these treatments work, for whom they work, and how to optimize their use.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review of effect of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation on Cognition Impairment after a Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takatoshi Hara ◽  
Aturan Shanmugalingam ◽  
Amanda McIntyre ◽  
Amer M. Burhan
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Spatial Neglect ◽  
Attention And Memory ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Non Invasive

ABSTRACTBackgroundIn recent years, the potential of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) for therapeutic effects on cognitive functions has been explored for stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) populations.MethodsAll English articles from the following sources were searched from inception up to December 31, 2018: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO and CENTRAL. Randomized and prospective controlled trials, including cross-over studies, were included for analysis. Studies with at least five individuals post stroke or TBI, whereby at least five sessions of NIBS were provided and used standardized neuropsychological measurement of cognition, were included.ResultsA total of 17 studies met eligibility criteria which included 546 patients receiving either repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Sample sizes ranged 5-25 subjects per group. Seven studies used rTMS and ten studies used tDCS. Target symptoms included global cognition (n=8), memory (n=1), attention (n=1), and unilateral spatial neglect (USN) (n=7). Nine studies combined rehabilitation or additional therapy with NIBS. Six of ten studies showed significant improvement in attention, memory, working memory, and executive function. In the USN study, five of the seven studies had a significant improvement in the intervention group.ConclusionsThe effect of NIBS on executive functions including attention and memory post stroke or TBI yielded mixed results with variable stimulation parameters. A significant, consistent improvement was observed for USN post stroke or TBI. Future studies using advanced neurophysiological and neuroimaging tools to allow network-based approach to NIBS for cognitive symptoms post stroke or TBI are warranted.

scholarly journals New Results on Brain Stimulation in Chronic Pain

2017 ◽  
Vol 01 (04) ◽  
pp. E312-E315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Antal ◽  
Walter Paulus ◽  
Veit Rohde
Keyword(s):  
Motor Cortex ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Primary Motor Cortex ◽  
Pain Treatment ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Motor Cortex Stimulation ◽  
Invasive Procedures ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Deep Brain ◽  
Stimulation Of

AbstractPain that has become chronic has lost its warning function and is associated with dysfunction of the so-called pain network. Systematic brain stimulation aims to normalize this network by modulating neuronal activities. Non-invasive DC stimulation (tDCS) or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) are considered effective in pain treatment. Here, the stimulation of the primary motor cortex (M1) plays a central role. If the pain is not adequately controlled by tDCS and rTMS, invasive procedures such as motor cortex stimulation (MCS) or deep brain stimulation are available as a last resort.

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