Article

There is increasing interest in the application of cortical
stimulation (CS) as an adjuvant strategy in aphasia rehabilitation. Epidural CS,
although more invasive than other methods, can provide high-frequency
ipsilesional stimulation with greater spatial specificity. OBJECTIVE: We review
methods and results of a phase 1 study of epidural CS in combination with
rehabilitation therapy in aphasia and provide new objective and self-report data
collected between 6 and 21 months after the end of treatment. METHODS: Eight
stroke survivors with nonfluent aphasia received intensive language therapy, 3
hours a day, for 6 weeks. Four participants also underwent surgical implantation
of an epidural stimulation device that was activated only during therapy
sessions. Behavioral data were collected before treatment, at the end of
treatment, and at 6 and 12 weeks after the end of treatment. Of the 8
participants, 7 also participated in the longer-term follow-up visit. RESULTS:
Changes in objective scores from baseline were larger in investigational
participants than controls at all assessments, including the longer-term
follow-up visit. Satisfaction ratings and ratings of overall improvement by
investigational participants and their companions were more varied than those of
the controls, but all indicated that they would recommend the investigational
treatment to others with aphasia. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements were generally
maintained for at least 12 weeks posttreatment and possibly as long as 21 months
posttreatment. Epidural CS is a potentially safe, feasible adjunctive
intervention for persons with chronic nonfluent aphasia that spares the ventral
premotor cortex and warrants further investigation.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2015.

Langue : ANGLAIS