Effects of transcranial micropolarization of the frontal cortex on the state of motor and cognitive functions in extrapyramidal pathology

Abstract

It has been demonstrated that corticostriatal influences play an important role in the regulation of extrapyramidal hyperkinesias [4], which are frequently seen in a variety of diseases including infantile cerebral palsy [1]. The existence of direct corticofugal connections with the striatum creates the possibility for targeted intervention to have effects on a variety of mechanisms involved in the generation of hyperkinesia by acting on the corresponding cortical zones [7]. The approach with the greatest potential and theoretical and experimental backing consists of local transcutaneous application of weak direct currents (of lower amplitude than those normally used in physiotherapy), the aim being to produce a gradual rearrangement of the functional state of nerve tissue [2].This report describes studies of the effects of unilateral transcranial micropolarization of the frontal cortex on the state of motor and cognitive functions in children with cerebral palsy.Studies involved 40 children aged 8-15 years with the spastic-hyperkinetic form of infantile cerebral palsy. Patients received therapeutic sessions of transcranial micropolarization. A standard Potok-1 (GE 50-2) galvanization apparatus was used. Agar skin electrodes with areas ranging from 100 to 600 mm 2 were positioned as follows: the anode was placed over the projection of the prefrontal cortex of the subdominant hemisphere; the cathode was placed over the mastoid process. Electrodes were placed on one side. The selection of the subdominant hemisphere for micropolarization was based on published data [2] and our own observations indicating that polarization of the dominant hemisphere often leads to the development of negative psychoemotional reactions. Currents were no greater than 300/zA. Sessions lasted 20-40 min. Courses consisted of no more than 15 sessions.Before and after micropolarization courses, all children underwent clinical, electrophysiological, and psychological investigations, including assessment of movement function using a specially developed clinical points scale, aIong with electroencephalogram (EEG) and integral and stimulatory electromyogram (EMG) recordings, tests of memory, visuospatial perception, and speech functions. In addition, manipulatory ability was tested using a special computerized apparatus. Data were analyzed statistically using the Wilcoxon criterion.Pronounced positive clinical changes were seen after courses of transcranial micropolarization; these consisted of reductions in the severity of hyperkinesias, appearance of the ability to produce voluntary inhibition of large-scale hyperkinesia at rest, increases in the range of active movements in the joints, reversal of pathologically elevated muscle tone, improvements in manipulatory functions, etc. Psychological testing of the children revealed improvements in cognitive and speech functions (Table 1). It should be noted that improvements in speech function were due mainly to decreases in hyperkinesias of the articular apparatus, with increases in muscle mobility,...

Non-Medicamentous Spa Treatment of Mental Disorders

“…Каркищенко дали следующую характеристику механизма действия транскраниальной микрополяризации -сверхслабый микроток «оказывает воздействие как на корковые, так и на подкорковые структуры, вызывая изменение физиологических (ЭЭГ, вызванные потенциалы) и биофизических (плотность синапсов, их локализация) показателей корковых и подкорковых отделов головного мозга», подчеркивая, что «постоянный ток является фактором, стимулирующим рост нейрональных структур» [11]. Показано положительное влияние микрополяризации на кратковременную память и концентрацию внимания, депрессивные состояния, редукцию галлюцинаторной симптоматики [12,13]. Микрополяризация эффективна в качестве нейрореконструктивной технологии, способной влиять на нейропластические процессы в головном мозге и содействовать перестройкам межполушарных взаимодействий [14].…”

Transcranial direct current stimulation: a new treatment for depression?

“…Although in most animal experiments intracerebral electrodes were used, studies show that also a transcranial application of direct current should be suited to induce a sufficient current strength (4, 5). This is underlined by some experiments done on humans: transcranial direct current stimulation was shown to increase performance in a reaction time paradigm (6, 7), was claimed to be beneficial in depression (8, 9), and seemed to improve performance in infantile cerebral palsy (10, 11). Anyway, at that time, there was no direct method of examining the excitability of the human cortex to test the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).…”