Effects of Transcranial Galvanic Stimulation on Post Stroke Depression

Abstract

Introduction: Transcranial galvanic stimulation (TGS), a non-invasive method in modulation of cortical excitability, shows potentially positive effects on post stroke depression (PSD). Aim of the Study: The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of transcranial galvanic stimulation on post-stroke depression in patients after acute stroke. Patients and Methods: The study group (N=11) received TGS and conventional physical and occupational therapy. All patients were stimulated with transcranial galvanic stimulation for 20 minutes with 1mA current intensity, once a day for two weeks (five days a week).The Beck Depression Inventory was applied to score the depression levels in patients before and after the intervention. Results: Application of TGS therapy, along with a conventional rehabilitation treatment entailed a statistically significant decrease in the level of depression in our group of patients. There was no statistically significant difference regarding depression in relation to gender, localization and type of stroke. Conclusion: The study has confirmed that the application of transcranial galvanic stimulation during stroke rehabilitation improves the depression symptoms in patients.