scholarly journals The heart side of brain neuromodulation

2016 ◽  
Vol 374 (2067) ◽  
pp. 20150187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Rossi ◽  
Emiliano Santarnecchi ◽  
Gaetano Valenza ◽  
Monica Ulivelli
Keyword(s):  
Basal Ganglia ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Heart Function ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Pharmacoresistant Epilepsy ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Vital Functions

Neuromodulation refers to invasive, minimally invasive or non-invasive techniques to stimulate discrete cortical or subcortical brain regions with therapeutic purposes in otherwise intractable patients: for example, thousands of advanced Parkinsonian patients, as well as patients with tremor or dystonia, benefited by deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedures (neural targets: basal ganglia nuclei). A new era for DBS is currently opening for patients with drug-resistant depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, severe epilepsy, migraine and chronic pain (neural targets: basal ganglia and other subcortical nuclei or associative fibres). Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) has shown clinical benefits in patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy and depression. Non-invasive brain stimulation neuromodulatory techniques such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are also being increasingly investigated for their therapeutic potential in several neurological and psychiatric disorders. In this review, we first address the most common neural targets of each of the mentioned brain stimulation techniques, and the known mechanisms of their neuromodulatory action on stimulated brain networks. Then, we discuss how DBS, VNS, rTMS and tDCS could impact on the function of brainstem centres controlling vital functions, critically reviewing their acute and long-term effects on brain sympathetic outflow controlling heart function and blood pressure. Finally, as there is clear experimental evidence in animals that brain stimulation can affect autonomic and heart functions, we will try to give a critical perspective on how it may enhance our understanding of the cortical/subcortical mechanisms of autonomic cardiovascular regulation, and also if it might find a place among therapeutic opportunities in patients with otherwise intractable autonomic dysfunctions.

Brain Stimulation Treatments for Depression

2016 ◽  
pp. 397-410
Author(s):  
Mark S. George ◽  
E. Baron Short ◽  
Suzanne E. Kerns
Keyword(s):  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Systemic Treatments ◽  
Stimulation Method ◽  
Treatment Refractory ◽  
Depressive Episodes ◽  
Stimulation Of

The use of brain stimulation for the treatment and investigation of mood disorders is rapidly expanding. Mood disorders are common, but so are treatment-refractory or intolerant patients, explaining increasing interest in alternatives to medications and talk therapy. Additionally, depressive episodes are periodic or temporary states and are thus amenable to pulsatile, non-systemic treatments. The oldest brain stimulation method, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), remains the most effective acute antidepressant available. The newer brain stimulation methods, in particular repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), also show that non-invasive stimulation of key brain regions not only effectively treats depression, but also causes quantifiable changes in brain biomarkers. More research is needed, though, to better understand how these treatments work, for whom they work, and how to optimize their use.

scholarly journals Implicit Motor Imagery and the Lateral Occipitotemporal Cortex: Hints for Tailoring Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (16) ◽  
pp. 5851 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimiliano Conson ◽  
Roberta Cecere ◽  
Chiara Baiano ◽  
Francesco De Bellis ◽  
Gabriela Forgione ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Imagery ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Dominant Hand ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Implicit Motor ◽  
Left And Right ◽  
Occipitotemporal Cortex ◽  
Biomechanical Effect ◽  
Motor Representations

Background: Recent evidence has converged in showing that the lateral occipitotemporal cortex is over-recruited during implicit motor imagery in elderly and in patients with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease. These data suggest that when automatically imaging movements, individuals exploit neural resources in the visual areas to compensate for the decline in activating motor representations. Thus, the occipitotemporal cortex could represent a cortical target of non-invasive brain stimulation combined with cognitive training to enhance motor imagery performance. Here, we aimed at shedding light on the role of the left and right lateral occipitotemporal cortex in implicit motor imagery. Methods: We applied online, high-frequency, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the left and right lateral occipitotemporal cortex while healthy right-handers judged the laterality of hand images. Results: With respect to the sham condition, left hemisphere stimulation specifically reduced accuracy in judging the laterality of right-hand images. Instead, the hallmark of motor simulation, i.e., the biomechanical effect, was never influenced by rTMS. Conclusions: The lateral occipitotemporal cortex seems to be involved in mental representation of the dominant hand, at least in right-handers, but not in reactivating sensorimotor information during simulation. These findings provide useful hints for developing combined brain stimulation and behavioural trainings to improve motor imagery.

scholarly journals Non-Invasive Cerebellar Stimulation in Neurodegenerative Ataxia: A Literature Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1948 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Benussi ◽  
Alvaro Pascual-Leone ◽  
Barbara Borroni
Keyword(s):  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Physiological Activity ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Therapeutic Trials ◽  
Degenerative Disorders ◽  
Heterogenous Group ◽  
Cerebellar Ataxias ◽  
Specific Stimulation

Cerebellar ataxias are a heterogenous group of degenerative disorders for which we currently lack effective and disease-modifying interventions. The field of non-invasive brain stimulation has made much progress in the development of specific stimulation protocols to modulate cerebellar excitability and try to restore the physiological activity of the cerebellum in patients with ataxia. In light of limited evidence-based pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment options for patients with ataxia, several different non-invasive brain stimulation protocols have emerged, particularly employing repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) techniques. In this review, we summarize the most relevant rTMS and tDCS therapeutic trials and discuss their implications in the care of patients with degenerative ataxias.

Brain stimulation methods for patients with schizophrenia – new therapies on the horizon?

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (03) ◽  
pp. 145-151
Author(s):  
U. Palm ◽  
F. Padberg ◽  
T. Wobrock ◽  
A. Hasan
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Efficacy ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Temporal Cortex ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Good Tolerability ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Meta Analyses

Summary Background: Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques offer new promising treatment options in schizophrenia. However, the evidence from meta-analyses and randomized clinical studies is limited. Results: For repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) the clinical efficacy is highest for the 1-Hz rTMS over the left temporal cortex to improve auditory hallucinations, nevertheless there are studies showing no benefit. For negative symptoms rTMS could be offered keeping in mind the good tolerability. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has a good risk-benefit ratio, but the evidence for schizophrenia symptoms is still derived from small sample studies. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the treatment option with the highest clinical efficacy for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, catatonia or other defined treatment circumstances, but has more adverse side effects. More research is needed to understand which stimulation technique could be recommended for a certain patient.

scholarly journals Portable Neuroimaging Guided Non-invasive Brain Stimulation of Cortico-cerebello-thalamo-cortical Loop in Substance Use Disorder

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pushpinder Walia ◽  
Abhishek Ghosh ◽  
Shubhmohan Singh ◽  
Anirban Dutta
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Cue Reactivity ◽  
Computational Simulation ◽  
Human Study ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Healthy Human ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Cerebellar Tdcs

Background: Maladaptive neuroplasticity related learned response in substance use disorder (SUD) can be ameliorated using non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS); however, inter-individual variability needs to be addressed for clinical translation. Objective: Our first objective was to develop a hypothesis for NIBS for learned response in SUD based on competing neurobehavioral decision systems model. Next objective was to conduct computational simulation of NIBS of cortico-cerebello-thalamo-cortical (CCTC) loop in cannabis use disorder (CUD) related dysfunctional “cue-reactivity” – a closely related construct of “craving” that is a core symptom. Our third objective was to test the feasibility of our neuroimaging guided rational NIBS approach in healthy humans. Methods: “Cue-reactivity” can be measured using behavioral paradigms and portable neuroimaging, including functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalogram (EEG), metrics of sensorimotor gating. Therefore, we conducted computational simulation of NIBS, including transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation(tACS) of the cerebellar cortex and deep cerebellar nuclei(DCN), of the CCTC loop for its postulated effects on fNIRS and EEG metrics. We also developed a rational neuroimaging guided NIBS approach for cerebellar lobule (VII) and prefrontal cortex based on healthy human study. Results: Simulation study of cerebellar tDCS induced gamma oscillations in the cerebral cortex while tTIS induced gamma-to-beta frequency shift. Experimental fNIRS study found that 2mA cerebellar tDCS evoked similar oxyhemoglobin(HbO) response in-the-range of 5x10-6M across cerebellum and PFC brain regions (=0.01); however, infra-slow (0.01–0.10 Hz) prefrontal cortex HbO driven(phase-amplitude-coupling, PAC) 4Hz, ±2mA (max.) cerebellar tACS evoked HbO in-the-range of 10-7M that was statistically different (=0.01) across those brain regions. Conclusion: Our healthy human study showed the feasibility of fNIRS of cerebellum and PFC as well as fNIRS-driven ctACS at 4Hz that may facilitate cerebellar cognitive function via the frontoparietal network. Future work needs to combine fNIRS with EEG for multi-modal imaging.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and repetitive TMS in multiple sclerosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Athina-Maria Aloizou ◽  
Georgia Pateraki ◽  
Konstantinos Anargyros ◽  
Vasileios Siokas ◽  
Christos Bakirtzis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Autoimmune Disorder ◽  
Clinical Aspects ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Underlying Pathophysiology

Abstract Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most well-known autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system, and constitutes a major cause of disability, especially in young individuals. A wide array of pharmacological treatments is available, but they have often been proven to be ineffective in ameliorating disease symptomatology or slowing disease progress. As such, non-invasive and non-pharmacological techniques have been gaining more ground. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) utilizes the electric field generated by a magnetic coil to stimulate neurons and has been applied, usually paired with electroencephalography, to study the underlying pathophysiology of MS, and in repetitive trains, in the form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), to induce long-lasting changes in neuronal circuits. In this review, we present the available literature on the application of TMS and rTMS in the context of MS, with an emphasis on its therapeutic potential on various clinical aspects, while also naming the ongoing trials, whose results are anticipated in the future.

scholarly journals Neural correlates of visual aesthetic appreciation: insights from non-invasive brain stimulation

2019 ◽  
Vol 238 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Zaira Cattaneo
Keyword(s):  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Posterior Parietal Cortex ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Aesthetic Appreciation ◽  
Lateral Occipital Complex ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Extrastriate Body Area ◽  
Dorsolateral Prefrontal ◽  
Cortical Regions

AbstractDuring the last decade, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques have been increasingly employed in the field of neuroaesthetics research to shed light on the possible causal role of different brain regions contributing to aesthetic appreciation. Here, I review studies that have employed transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to investigate neurocognitive mechanisms mediating visual aesthetic appreciation for different stimuli categories (faces, bodies, paintings). The review first considers studies that have assessed the possible causal contribution of cortical regions in mediating aesthetic appreciation along the visual ventral and dorsal pathways (i.e., the extrastriate body area, the motion-sensitive region V5/MT+ , the lateral occipital complex and the posterior parietal cortex). It then considers TMS and tDCS studies that have targeted premotor and motor regions, as well as other areas involved in body and facial expression processing (such as the superior temporal sulcus and the somatosensory cortex) to assess their role in aesthetic evaluation. Finally, it discusses studies that have targeted medial and dorsolateral prefrontal regions leading to significant changes in aesthetic appreciation for both biological stimuli (faces and bodies) and artworks. Possible mechanisms mediating stimulation effects on aesthetic judgments are discussed. A final section considers both methodological limitations of the reviewed studies (including levels of statistical power and the need for further replication) and the future potential for non-invasive brain stimulation to significantly contribute to the understanding of the neural bases of visual aesthetic experiences.

scholarly journals Effects of Alpha-Synuclein Targeted Antisense Oligonucleotides on Lewy Body-Like Pathology and Behavioral Disturbances Induced by Injections of Pre-Formed Fibrils in the Mouse Motor Cortex

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Sydney Weber Boutros ◽  
Jacob Raber ◽  
Vivek K. Unni
Keyword(s):  
Motor Cortex ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Antisense Oligonucleotides ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Lewy Bodies ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Alpha Synuclein ◽  
Primary Component ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Behavioral Disturbances

Background: Alpha-synuclein (αsyn) characterizes neurodegenerative diseases known as synucleinopathies. The phosphorylated form (psyn) is the primary component of protein aggregates known as Lewy bodies (LBs), which are the hallmark of diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). Synucleinopathies might spread in a prion-like fashion, leading to a progressive emergence of symptoms over time. αsyn pre-formed fibrils (PFFs) induce LB-like pathology in wild-type (WT) mice, but questions remain about their progressive spread and their associated effects on behavioral performance. Objective: To characterize the behavioral, cognitive, and pathological long-term effects of LB-like pathology induced after bilateral motor cortex PFF injection in WT mice and to assess the ability of mouse αsyn-targeted antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to ameliorate those effects. Methods: We induced LB-like pathology in the motor cortex and connected brain regions of male WT mice using PFFs. Three months post-PFF injection (mpi), we assessed behavioral and cognitive performance. We then delivered a targeted ASO via the ventricle and assessed behavioral and cognitive performance 5 weeks later, followed by pathological analysis. Results: At 3 and 6 mpi, PFF-injected mice showed mild, progressive behavioral deficits. The ASO reduced total αsyn and psyn protein levels, and LB-like pathology, but was also associated with some deleterious off-target effects not involving lowering of αsyn, such as a decline in body weight and impairments in motor function. Conclusions: These results increase understanding of the progressive nature of the PFF model and support the therapeutic potential of ASOs, though more investigation into effects of ASO-mediated reduction in αsyn on brain function is needed.

scholarly journals Neuroprotective Effects and Therapeutic Potential of Transcorneal Electrical Stimulation for Depression

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 2492
Author(s):  
Wing-Shan Yu ◽  
So-Hyun Kwon ◽  
Stephen Kugbere Agadagba ◽  
Leanne-Lai-Hang Chan ◽  
Kah-Hui Wong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
Transcorneal Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Antidepressant Treatments ◽  
Antidepressant Effects ◽  
Apoptosis And Inflammation

Transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) has emerged as a non-invasive neuromodulation approach that exerts neuroprotection via diverse mechanisms, including neurotrophic, neuroplastic, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-glutamatergic, and vasodilation mechanisms. Although current studies of TES have mainly focused on its applications in ophthalmology, several lines of evidence point towards its putative use in treating depression. Apart from stimulating visual-related structures and promoting visual restoration, TES has also been shown to activate brain regions that are involved in mood alterations and can induce antidepressant-like behaviour in animals. The beneficial effects of TES in depression were further supported by its shared mechanisms with FDA-approved antidepressant treatments, including its neuroprotective properties against apoptosis and inflammation, and its ability to enhance the neurotrophic expression. This article critically reviews the current findings on the neuroprotective effects of TES and provides evidence to support our hypothesis that TES possesses antidepressant effects.

scholarly journals The physiological effects of non-invasive brain stimulation fundamentally differ across the human cortex

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Castrillon ◽  
Nico Sollmann ◽  
Katarzyna Kurcyus ◽  
Adeel Razi ◽  
Sandro M. Krieg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Functional Integration ◽  
Predictive Marker ◽  
Occipital Cortex ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Target Area ◽  
Biophysical Modeling ◽  
Non Invasive

AbstractNon-invasive brain stimulation reliably modulates brain activity and symptoms of neuropsychiatric disorders. However, stimulation effects substantially vary across individuals and brain regions. We combined transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the neuronal basis of inter-individual and inter-areal differences after TMS. We found that stimulating sensory and cognitive areas yielded fundamentally heterogeneous effects. Stimulation of occipital cortex enhanced brain-wide functional connectivity and biophysical modeling identified increased local inhibition and enhanced forward-signaling after TMS. Conversely, frontal stimulation decreased functional connectivity, associated with local disinhibition and disruptions of both feedforward and feedback connections. Finally, we identified brain-wide functional integration as a predictive marker for these heterogeneous stimulation effects in individual subjects. Together, our study suggests that modeling of local and global signaling parameters of a target area will improve the specificity of non-invasive brain stimulation for research and clinical applications.

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