Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Cortical Excitability in Stroke Patients: Review Article

Abstract

Background: A primary consequence of stroke is an inhibitory imbalance and asymmetry of cortical excitability between the  contralesional and ipsilesional cerebral hemispheres, which can lead to numerous dysfunctions and impede recovery. Despite the fact  that rehabilitation techniques have advanced significantly in recent years, motor and functional recovery are still insufficient,  necessitating the ongoing development of novel approaches. A non-invasive technique called transcranial direct current stimulation  (tDCS) can be used to restore normal excitability following a stroke.

Objective: This review aimed to illustrate the role of tDCS in stroke in terms of modulating the excitability changes.

Methods: We searched Science Direct, Google Scholar, and PubMed for cortical excitability, Stroke and Transcranial direct current  stimulation. The authors also reviewed references from pertinent literature, however only the most recent or comprehensive studies  from December 2011 to February 2024 were reviewed. Documents in languages other than English were disqualified due to lack of  translation-related sources. Papers such as unpublished manuscripts, oral presentations, conference abstracts, and dissertations that  were not part of larger scientific studies were excluded.

Conclusion: A review of the current literature concluded that using tDCS can  stabilize the excitability changes and consequently enhance stroke motor recovery results, particularly when combined with traditional  rehabilitation approaches. Further high quality studies are necessary to support the evidence-based practice of this stimulation approach.