Article

OBJECTIVE: To review novel techniques of noninvasive brain stimulation (NBS),
which may have value in assessment and treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
METHODS: Review of the following techniques: transcranial magnetic stimulation,
transcranial direct current stimulation, low-level laser therapy, and
transcranial Doppler sonography. Furthermore, we provide a brief overview of TMS
studies to date.
MAIN FINDINGS: We describe the rationale for the use of these
techniques in TBI, discuss their possible mechanisms of action, and raise a
number of considerations relevant to translation of these methods to clinical
use. Depending on the stimulation parameters, NBS may enable suppression of the
acute glutamatergic hyperexcitability following TBI and/or counter the excessive
GABAergic effects in the subacute stage. In the chronic stage, brain stimulation
coupled to rehabilitation may enhance behavioral recovery, learning of new
skills, and cortical plasticity. Correlative animal models and comprehensive
safety trials seem critical to establish the use of these modalities in TBI.
CONCLUSIONS: Different forms of NBS techniques harbor the promise of diagnostic
and therapeutic utility, particularly to guide processes of cortical
reorganization and enable functional restoration in TBI. Future lines of safety
research and well-designed clinical trials in TBI are warranted to determine the
capability of NBS to promote recovery and minimize disability.

Langue : ANGLAIS