Year: 2018
Type: article
Abstract: Objective: To describe general characteristics, mechanism of action and common uses of non-invasive brain stimulation as a therapeutic alternative for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric diseases.Acquisition of evidence: An extensive literature review was completed in PubMed database. Articles reflecting consensus, guidelines or guidelines on the main societies and committees of experts involved in the use of non-invasive brain stimulation in English, Spanish and French were included. We also included clinical trials with scientific evidence on the use of transcranial stimulation with direct current and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in neurological and psychiatric diseases, until December 2018. We identified 102 articles that were considered relevant under the previous criteria, of which 22 were ruled out as being of low quality. The final sample consisted of 43 randomized and blind clinical trials; 15 guidelines, recommendations or criteria of expert committees; 13 reviews, and nine meta-analyzes and systematic reviews.Results: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation are considered safe and effective methods as adjuvant therapy in neurologic and psychiatric diseases. Both methods are based on the induction of small amount of stimulating current in the cortex to get neuromodulatory effect. There are relevant results in the treatment of depression, chronic pain, addictions, neurodevelopmental disorders, and as combined therapy with physical and occupational, and language therapy.Conclusions: Non-invasive brain stimulation is a safe and effective therapy option for the treatment of several neurologic and psychiatric diseases, which functionally modulate neural circuits related to the symptoms of the disease. It can contribute to the achievement of a better clinical response in many patients.
Author: Lázaro Gómez Fernández
Language: Spanish
Subfield: Neurology
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W2941878021