Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation for the Treatment of Symptoms Following Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

BackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common cause of physical, psychological, and cognitive impairment, but many current treatments for TBI are ineffective or produce adverse side effects. Non-invasive methods of brain stimulation could help ameliorate some common trauma-induced symptoms.ObjectiveThis review summarizes instances in which repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) have been used to treat symptoms following a TBI. A subsequent discussion attempts to determine the value of these methods in light of their potential risks.MethodsThe research databases of PubMed/MEDLINE and PsycINFO were electronically searched using terms relevant to the use of rTMS and tDCS as a tool to decrease symptoms in the context of rehabilitation post-TBI.ResultsEight case-studies and four multi-subject reports using rTMS and six multi-­subject studies using tDCS were found. Two instances of seizure are discussed.ConclusionThere is evidence that rTMS can be an effective treatment option for some post-TBI symptoms, such as depression, tinnitus, and neglect. Although the safety of this method remains uncertain, the use of rTMS in cases of mild TBI without obvious structural damage may be justified. Evidence on the effectiveness of tDCS is mixed, highlighting the need for additional investigations.

The application of online transcranial random noise stimulation and perceptual learning in the improvement of visual functions in mild myopia

“…Yet many studies are seeking to understand the mechanisms by which different TES techniques can complement an existing cognitive training (Dhaliwal, Meek, & Modirrousta, 2015;Yun, Chun, & Kim, 2015). tES is non-invasive and if used correctly should not lead to any aversive effects, it is relatively cheap and can be implemented in various contexts as an adjunct to existing techniques, which although are effective in isolation, might not be offering the most optimal treatment to patients.…”

Brain stimulation: Neuromodulation as a potential treatment for motor recovery following traumatic brain injury

“…Dhaliwal et al (2015) and Li et al (2015) have both recently reviewed the potential use of brain stimulation in TBI survivors. While most of the studies they review focus on non-motor impairments, they directly speak to the relative safety and potential benefit of brain stimulation in TBI individuals.…”

“…While most of the studies they review focus on non-motor impairments, they directly speak to the relative safety and potential benefit of brain stimulation in TBI individuals. Several studies demonstrate that rTMS and tDCS can reduce TBI related depression, tinnitus, neglect, and memory and attention disorders (see review: (Dhaliwal et al, 2015; Li et al, 2015)). Middleton et al (2014) also report that bi-hemispheric tDCS in two TBI survivors (one individual had a stroke and TBI) improved upper-extremity Fugl-Meyer scores for up to 6 months post-treatment (Middleton et al, 2014).…”

“…There is a growing interest in the potential use of brain stimulation to facilitate recovery of motor function following TBI (Adkins, 2015; Dhaliwal et al, 2015; Li et al, 2015). Until recently, CS was thought to be potentially unsafe for TBI survivors given that TBIs often result in a lower threshold for seizures.…”

Neuromodulation for restoring memory

“…14,81 The annual incidence of TBI in the US is approximately 1.5 million. Initial damage occurs due to direct physical damage to the brain, with further damage occurring due to secondary processes such as glutaminergic excitotoxicity, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, and increased intracranial pressure.…”