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Brain Sciences
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Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity—Series II
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Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity—Series II

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Systems Neuroscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 April 2022) | Viewed by 32770

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ulrich Palm

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Guest Editor
1. Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
2. Medical Park Chiemseeblick, Bernau, Felden, Germany
Interests: non-invasive brain stimulation; transcranial direct current stimulation; depressive disorder; cognition; multiple sclerosis fatigue
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Moussa Antoine Chalah

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Excitabilité Nerveuse et Thérapeutique, Université Paris-Est-Créteil, 94000 Créteil, France
2. Service de Physiologie - Explorations Fonctionnelles, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, 94000 Créteil, France
Interests: neurosciences; multiple sclerosis; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS); Transcranial Direct- Current Stimulation (tDCS)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Samar S. Ayache

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. EA4391 Excitabilité Nerveuse & Therapeutique, Université Paris Est Créteil, 94010 Creteil, France
2. Neurophysiology Department, Henri Mondor Hospital, 94010 Creteil, France
Interests: multiple sclerosis; MS fatigue; MS pain; neurophysiology; evoked potentials; electroencephalography; non-invasive brain stimulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Due to the great success of our Special Issue "Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity" we decided to set up a second volume. A large number of qualified submissions confirmed the importance of non-invasive brain stimulation methods in recent years, and showed a broad field of applications.

Again, this second volume of the Special Issue aims to gather pre-clinical and clinical data on brain stimulation techniques (electrical and magnetic stimulation methods).

It still compiles the newest research on the clinical and neurophysiological application of brain stimulation methods, and the impact of brain stimulation on imaging outcomes, neurobiological markers, and clinical variables (including neurological, affective, and cognitive measures).

For this second volume, we are encouraging authors to submit review articles, case reports and case series, pilot studies, and randomized controlled clinical trials.

We invite you to read the Special Issue "Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity" at mdpi.com/si/60360

Dr. Ulrich Palm
Dr. Moussa Antoine Chalah
Dr. Samar S. Ayache
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 194 KiB  
Editorial
Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity—Series II
by Ulrich Palm, Samar S. Ayache and Moussa A. Chalah
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(8), 1084; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci12081084 - 16 Aug 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1235
Abstract
Following the great success of the first series of the Special Issue “Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity” [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity—Series II)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

14 pages, 2756 KiB  
Article
Modifications of Functional Human Brain Networks by Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Impact of Time of Day
by Randi von Wrede, Timo Bröhl, Thorsten Rings, Jan Pukropski, Christoph Helmstaedter and Klaus Lehnertz
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(5), 546; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci12050546 - 26 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2055
Abstract
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a novel non-invasive treatment option for different diseases and symptoms, such as epilepsy or depression. Its mechanism of action, however, is still not fully understood. We investigated short-term taVNS-induced changes of local and global properties of [...] Read more.
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a novel non-invasive treatment option for different diseases and symptoms, such as epilepsy or depression. Its mechanism of action, however, is still not fully understood. We investigated short-term taVNS-induced changes of local and global properties of EEG-derived, evolving functional brain networks from eighteen subjects who underwent two 1 h stimulation phases (morning and afternoon) during continuous EEG-recording. In the majority of subjects, taVNS induced measurable modifications of network properties. Network alterations induced by stimulation in the afternoon were clearly more pronounced than those induced by stimulation in the morning. Alterations mostly affected the networks’ topology and stability properties. On the local network scale, no clear-cut spatial stimulation-related patterns could be discerned. Our findings indicate that the possible impact of diurnal influences on taVNS-induced network modifications would need to be considered for future research and clinical studies of this non-pharmaceutical intervention approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity—Series II)
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15 pages, 1797 KiB  
Article
Task-Related Hemodynamic Changes Induced by High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Chronic Stroke Patients: An Uncontrolled Pilot fNIRS Study
by Heegoo Kim, Jinuk Kim, Gihyoun Lee, Jungsoo Lee and Yun-Hee Kim
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(4), 453; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci12040453 - 28 Mar 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2568
Abstract
High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) has recently been proposed as a tDCS approach that can be used on a specific cortical region without causing undesirable stimulation effects. In this uncontrolled pilot study, the cortical hemodynamic changes caused by HD-tDCS applied over the [...] Read more.
High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) has recently been proposed as a tDCS approach that can be used on a specific cortical region without causing undesirable stimulation effects. In this uncontrolled pilot study, the cortical hemodynamic changes caused by HD-tDCS applied over the ipsilesional motor cortical area were investigated in 26 stroke patients. HD-tDCS using one anodal and four cathodal electrodes at 1 mA was administered for 20 min to C3 or C4 in four daily sessions. Cortical activation was measured as changes in oxyhemoglobin (oxyHb) concentration, as found using a functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) system during the finger tapping task (FTT) with the affected hand before and after HD-tDCS. Motor-evoked potential and upper extremity functions were also measured before (T0) and after the intervention (T1). A group statistical parametric mapping analysis showed that the oxyHb concentration increased during the FTT in both the affected and unaffected hemispheres before HD-tDCS. After HD-tDCS, the oxyHb concentration increased only in the affected hemisphere. In a time series analysis, the mean and integral oxyHb concentration during the FTT showed a noticeable decrease in the channel closest to the hand motor hotspot (hMHS) in the affected hemisphere after HD-tDCS compared with before HD-tDCS, in accordance with an improvement in the function of the affected upper extremity. These results suggest that HD-tDCS might be helpful to rebalance interhemispheric cortical activity and to reduce the hemodynamic burden on the affected hemisphere during hand motor tasks. Noticeable changes in the area adjacent to the affected hMHS may imply that personalized HD-tDCS electrode placement is needed to match each patient’s individual hMHS location. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity—Series II)
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7 pages, 679 KiB  
Article
Effectiveness of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder in Comparison to the Treatment of Unipolar Depression in a Naturalistic Setting
by Abdullah Alhelali, Eisa Almheiri, Mohamed Abdelnaim, Franziska C. Weber, Berthold Langguth, Martin Schecklmann and Tobias Hebel
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(3), 298; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci12030298 - 23 Feb 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2041
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is effective in the treatment of depression. However, for the subset of patients with bipolar disorder, less data is available and overall strength of evidence is weaker than for its use in unipolar depression. A cohort of 505 [...] Read more.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is effective in the treatment of depression. However, for the subset of patients with bipolar disorder, less data is available and overall strength of evidence is weaker than for its use in unipolar depression. A cohort of 505 patients (of which 46 had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder) with depression who were treated with rTMS were analyzed retrospectively with regards to their response to several weeks of treatment. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) was assessed as main outcome. Unipolar and bipolar patients with depression did not differ significantly in baseline demographic variables or severity of depression. Both groups did not differ significantly in their response to treatment as indicated by absolute and relative changes in the HDRS and response and remission rates. On HDRS subitem-analysis, bipolar patients showed superior amelioration of the symptom “paranoid symptoms” in a statistically significant manner. In conclusion, depressed patients with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder benefit from rTMS in a similar fashion as patients with unipolar depression in a naturalistic setting. rTMS might be more effective in reducing paranoia in bipolar than in unipolar patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity—Series II)
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9 pages, 741 KiB  
Article
Effects of Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation through Hand Splint Materials on Induced Movement and Corticospinal Excitability in Healthy Participants
by Akihiko Asao, Tomonori Nomura and Kenichi Shibuya
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 280; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci12020280 - 17 Feb 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2207
Abstract
Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique. Magnetic fields induced by rPMS pass through almost all materials, and it has clinical applications for neurorehabilitation. However, the effects of rPMS through clothing and orthosis on induced movement and corticospinal excitability remain [...] Read more.
Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique. Magnetic fields induced by rPMS pass through almost all materials, and it has clinical applications for neurorehabilitation. However, the effects of rPMS through clothing and orthosis on induced movement and corticospinal excitability remain unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether rPMS induces movement and enhances corticospinal excitability through hand splint materials. rPMS was applied directly to the skin (L0) and through one (L1) or two (L2) layers of splint material in 14 healthy participants at 25-Hz, 2-s train per 6 s for a total of 20 min. rPMS was delivered to the forearm with the stimulus intensity set to 1.5-times the train intensity-induced muscle contractions under the L0 condition. We recorded induced wrist movements during rPMS and motor-evoked potentials of the extensor carpi radialis pre- and post-application. The results showed that rPMS induced wrist movements in L0 and L1, and it facilitated corticospinal excitability in L0 but not in L1 and L2. This suggests that rPMS can make electromagnetic induction on periphery even when applied over clothing and orthosis and demonstrates the potential clinical applications of this technique for neurorehabilitation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity—Series II)
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17 pages, 350 KiB  
Article
Personalization of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Subjective Tinnitus
by Stefan Schoisswohl, Berthold Langguth, Tobias Hebel, Veronika Vielsmeier, Mohamed A. Abdelnaim and Martin Schecklmann
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 203; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci12020203 - 31 Jan 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2448
Abstract
Background: Personalization of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for tinnitus might be capable to overcome the heterogeneity of treatment responses. The assessment of loudness changes after short rTMS protocols in test sessions has been proposed as a strategy to identify the best protocol [...] Read more.
Background: Personalization of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for tinnitus might be capable to overcome the heterogeneity of treatment responses. The assessment of loudness changes after short rTMS protocols in test sessions has been proposed as a strategy to identify the best protocol for the daily treatment application. However, the therapeutic advantages of this approach are currently not clear. The present study was designed to further investigate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of personalized rTMS as compared to a standardized rTMS protocol used for tinnitus. Methods: RTMS personalization was conducted via test sessions and reliable, sham-superior responses respectively short-term reductions in tinnitus loudness following active rTMS protocols (1, 10, 20 Hz, each 200 pulses) applied over the left and right temporal cortex. Twenty pulses at a frequency of 0.1 Hz served as a control condition (sham). In case of a response, patients were randomly allocated to ten treatment sessions of either personalized rTMS (2000 pulses with the site and frequency producing the most pronounced loudness reduction during test sessions) or standard rTMS (1 Hz, 2000 pulses left temporal cortex). Those participants who did not show a response during the test sessions received the standard protocol as well. Results: The study was terminated prematurely after 22 patients (instead of 50 planned) as the number of test session responders was much lower than expected (27% instead of 50%). Statistical evaluation of changes in metric tinnitus variables and treatment responses indicated only numerical, but not statistical superiority for personalized rTMS compared to standard treatment. Conclusions: The current stage of investigation does not allow for a clear conclusion about the therapeutic advantages of personalized rTMS for tinnitus based on test session responses. The feasibility of this approach is primarily limited by the low test session response rate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity—Series II)
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15 pages, 3586 KiB  
Article
Nonequivalent After-Effects of Alternating Current Stimulation on Motor Cortex Oscillation and Inhibition: Simulation and Experimental Study
by Makoto Suzuki, Satoshi Tanaka, Jose Gomez-Tames, Takuhiro Okabe, Kilchoon Cho, Naoki Iso and Akimasa Hirata
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 195; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci12020195 - 31 Jan 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3195
Abstract
The effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) frequency on brain oscillations and cortical excitability are still controversial. Therefore, this study investigated how different tACS frequencies differentially modulate cortical oscillation and inhibition. To do so, we first determined the optimal positioning of tACS [...] Read more.
The effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) frequency on brain oscillations and cortical excitability are still controversial. Therefore, this study investigated how different tACS frequencies differentially modulate cortical oscillation and inhibition. To do so, we first determined the optimal positioning of tACS electrodes through an electric field simulation constructed from magnetic resonance images. Seven electrode configurations were tested on the electric field of the precentral gyrus (hand motor area). We determined that the Cz-CP1 configuration was optimal, as it resulted in higher electric field values and minimized the intra-individual differences in the electric field. Therefore, tACS was delivered to the hand motor area through this arrangement at a fixed frequency of 10 Hz (alpha-tACS) or 20 Hz (beta-tACS) with a peak-to-peak amplitude of 0.6 mA for 20 min. We found that alpha- and beta-tACS resulted in larger alpha and beta oscillations, respectively, compared with the oscillations observed after sham-tACS. In addition, alpha- and beta-tACS decreased the amplitudes of conditioned motor evoked potentials and increased alpha and beta activity, respectively. Correspondingly, alpha- and beta-tACSs enhanced cortical inhibition. These results show that tACS frequency differentially affects motor cortex oscillation and inhibition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity—Series II)
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10 pages, 834 KiB  
Article
Serum Mature BDNF Level Is Associated with Remission Following ECT in Treatment-Resistant Depression
by Marion Psomiades, Marine Mondino, Filipe Galvão, Nathalie Mandairon, Mikail Nourredine, Marie-Françoise Suaud-Chagny and Jérôme Brunelin
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 126; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci12020126 - 18 Jan 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1656
Abstract
The search for a biological marker predicting the future failure or success of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains highly challenging for patients with treatment-resistant depression. Evidence suggests that Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a protein known to be involved in brain plasticity mechanisms, can play [...] Read more.
The search for a biological marker predicting the future failure or success of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains highly challenging for patients with treatment-resistant depression. Evidence suggests that Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a protein known to be involved in brain plasticity mechanisms, can play a key role in both the clinical efficacy of ECT and the pathophysiology of depressive disorders. We hypothesized that mature BDNF (mBDNF), an isoform of BDNF involved in the neural plasticity and survival of neural networks, might be a good candidate for predicting the efficacy of ECT. Total BDNF (tBDNF) and mBDNF levels were measured in 23 patients with severe treatment-resistant depression before (baseline) they received a course of ECT. More precisely, tBDNF and mBDNF measured before ECT were compared between patients who achieved the criteria of remission after the ECT course (remitters, n = 7) and those who did not (non-remitters, n = 16). We found that at baseline, future remitters displayed significantly higher mBDNF levels than future non-remitters (p = 0.04). No differences were observed regarding tBDNF levels at baseline. The multiple logistic regression model controlled for age and sex revealed that having a higher baseline mBDNF level was significantly associated with future remission after ECT sessions (odd ratio = 1.38; 95% confidence interval = 1.07–2.02, p = 0.04). Despite the limitations of the study, current findings provide additional elements regarding the major role of BDNF and especially the mBDNF isoform in the clinical response to ECT in major depression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity—Series II)
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14 pages, 1310 KiB  
Article
Facilitation of Motor Evoked Potentials in Response to a Modified 30 Hz Intermittent Theta-Burst Stimulation Protocol in Healthy Adults
by Katarina Hosel and François Tremblay
Brain Sci. 2021, 11(12), 1640; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11121640 - 12 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2195
Abstract
Theta-burst stimulation (TBS) is a form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) developed to induce neuroplasticity. TBS usually consists of 50 Hz bursts at 5 Hz intervals. It can facilitate motor evoked potentials (MEPs) when applied intermittently, although this effect can vary between [...] Read more.
Theta-burst stimulation (TBS) is a form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) developed to induce neuroplasticity. TBS usually consists of 50 Hz bursts at 5 Hz intervals. It can facilitate motor evoked potentials (MEPs) when applied intermittently, although this effect can vary between individuals. Here, we sought to determine whether a modified version of intermittent TBS (iTBS) consisting of 30 Hz bursts repeated at 6 Hz intervals would lead to lasting MEP facilitation. We also investigated whether recruitment of early and late indirect waves (I-waves) would predict individual responses to 30 Hz iTBS. Participants (n = 19) underwent single-pulse TMS to assess MEP amplitude at baseline and variations in MEP latency in response to anterior-posterior, posterior-anterior, and latero-medial stimulation. Then, 30 Hz iTBS was administered, and MEP amplitude was reassessed at 5-, 20- and 45-min. Post iTBS, most participants (13/19) exhibited MEP facilitation, with significant effects detected at 20- and 45-min. Contrary to previous evidence, recruitment of early I-waves predicted facilitation to 30 Hz iTBS. These observations suggest that 30 Hz/6 Hz iTBS is effective in inducing lasting facilitation in corticospinal excitability and may offer an alternative to the standard 50 Hz/5 Hz protocol. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity—Series II)
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10 pages, 751 KiB  
Article
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Depression during Pregnancy: Results from an Open-Label Pilot Study
by Anna Katharina Kurzeck, Esther Dechantsreiter, Anja Wilkening, Ulrike Kumpf, Tabea Nenov-Matt, Frank Padberg and Ulrich Palm
Brain Sci. 2021, 11(7), 947; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci11070947 - 19 Jul 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2628
Abstract
Introduction: Depression is the most common morbidity during pregnancy. Available first-line therapy options are limited and depressive disorders in pregnant women are often untreated, leading to negative effects on maternal and fetal health. Objectives: The aim of this open-label pilot study is to [...] Read more.
Introduction: Depression is the most common morbidity during pregnancy. Available first-line therapy options are limited and depressive disorders in pregnant women are often untreated, leading to negative effects on maternal and fetal health. Objectives: The aim of this open-label pilot study is to extend evidence on the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a treatment of antenatal depression and to point out options for the use of tDCS in this population. Methods: Six drug-free female patients with major depressive disorder during pregnancy (later than 10th gestational week) were included in this pilot study. Patients were treated with twice-daily tDCS (2 mA, 30 min, anode: F3, cathode: F4) over ten days during inpatient stay (Phase 1) and with once-daily tDCS over 10 days during an optional outpatient stay (Phase 2). Clinical (HAMD-21, BDI) and neuropsychological ratings (Trail Making Test A/B) were performed at baseline, after two and four weeks as well as an obstetric examination. Results: Six right-handed females (23–43 years, 12–33. gestational week) completed Phase 1; four patients additionally joined in Phase 2. tDCS was well tolerated and no adverse effects occurred. Clinical ratings showed an improvement of mean baseline HAMD-21 from 22.50 ± 7.56 to 13.67 ± 3.93 after week 2, and to 8.75 ± 4.99 after week 4. The mean baseline BDI was 26.00 ± 13.90 and declined to 11.17 ± 5.46 after week 2, and to 9.25 ± 3.30 after week 4. Conclusions: Statistically significant changes in HAMD-21 and BDI were observed after Phase 1. One patient achieved remission in terms of HAMD in Phase 1. Although this small-scale study lacks sham control, it shows clinical improvement and absence of adverse events in this critical population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity—Series II)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research, Other

32 pages, 1607 KiB  
Review
Evidence of Neuroplastic Changes after Transcranial Magnetic, Electric, and Deep Brain Stimulation
by Julius Kricheldorff, Katharina Göke, Maximilian Kiebs, Florian H. Kasten, Christoph S. Herrmann, Karsten Witt and Rene Hurlemann
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(7), 929; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci12070929 - 15 Jul 2022
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5283
Abstract
Electric and magnetic stimulation of the human brain can be used to excite or inhibit neurons. Numerous methods have been designed over the years for this purpose with various advantages and disadvantages that are the topic of this review. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) [...] Read more.
Electric and magnetic stimulation of the human brain can be used to excite or inhibit neurons. Numerous methods have been designed over the years for this purpose with various advantages and disadvantages that are the topic of this review. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is the most direct and focal application of electric impulses to brain tissue. Electrodes are placed in the brain in order to modulate neural activity and to correct parameters of pathological oscillation in brain circuits such as their amplitude or frequency. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive alternative with the stimulator generating a magnetic field in a coil over the scalp that induces an electric field in the brain which, in turn, interacts with ongoing brain activity. Depending upon stimulation parameters, excitation and inhibition can be achieved. Transcranial electric stimulation (tES) applies electric fields to the scalp that spread along the skull in order to reach the brain, thus, limiting current strength to avoid skin sensations and cranial muscle pain. Therefore, tES can only modulate brain activity and is considered subthreshold, i.e., it does not directly elicit neuronal action potentials. In this review, we collect hints for neuroplastic changes such as modulation of behavior, the electric activity of the brain, or the evolution of clinical signs and symptoms in response to stimulation. Possible mechanisms are discussed, and future paradigms are suggested. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity—Series II)
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Other

12 pages, 1935 KiB  
Case Report
Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of Bilateral Supplementary Motor Area on the Lower Limb Motor Function in a Stroke Patient with Severe Motor Paralysis: A Case Study
by Sora Ohnishi, Naomichi Mizuta, Naruhito Hasui, Junji Taguchi, Tomoki Nakatani and Shu Morioka
Brain Sci. 2022, 12(4), 452; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/brainsci12040452 - 28 Mar 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3438
Abstract
In patients with severe motor paralysis, increasing the excitability of the supplementary motor area (SMA) in the non-injured hemisphere contributes to the recovery of lower limb motor function. However, the contribution of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the SMA of the non-injured [...] Read more.
In patients with severe motor paralysis, increasing the excitability of the supplementary motor area (SMA) in the non-injured hemisphere contributes to the recovery of lower limb motor function. However, the contribution of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the SMA of the non-injured hemisphere in the recovery of lower limb motor function is unclear. This study aimed to examine the effects of tDCS on bilateral hemispheric SMA combined with assisted gait training. A post-stroke patient with severe motor paralysis participated in a retrospective AB design. Assisted gait training was performed only in period A and tDCS to the SMA of the bilateral hemisphere combined with assisted gait training (bi-tDCS) was performed in period B. Additionally, three conditions were performed for 20 min each in the intervals between the two periods: (1) assisted gait training only, (2) assisted gait training combined with tDCS to the SMA of the injured hemisphere, and (3) bi-tDCS. Measurements were muscle activity and beta-band intermuscular coherence (reflecting corticospinal tract excitability) of the vastus medialis muscle. The bi-tDCS immediately and longitudinally increased muscle activity and intermuscular coherence. We consider that bi-tDCS may be effective in recovering lower limb motor function in a patient with severe motor paralysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity—Series II)
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