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Mattioli F, Maglianella V, D'Antonio S, Trimarco E, Caligiore D. Non-invasive brain stimulation for patients and healthy subjects: Current challenges and future perspectives. J Neurol Sci 2024; 456:122825. [PMID: 38103417 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2023.122825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques have a rich historical background, yet their utilization has witnessed significant growth only recently. These techniques encompass transcranial electrical stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation, which were initially employed in neuroscience to explore the intricate relationship between the brain and behaviour. However, they are increasingly finding application in research contexts as a means to address various neurological, psychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders. This article aims to fulfill two primary objectives. Firstly, it seeks to showcase the current state of the art in the clinical application of NIBS, highlighting how it can improve and complement existing treatments. Secondly, it provides a comprehensive overview of the utilization of NIBS in augmenting the brain function of healthy individuals, thereby enhancing their performance. Furthermore, the article delves into the points of convergence and divergence between these two techniques. It also addresses the existing challenges and future prospects associated with NIBS from ethical and research standpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Mattioli
- AI2Life s.r.l., Innovative Start-Up, ISTC-CNR Spin-Off, Via Sebino 32, 00199 Rome, Italy; School of Computing, Electronics and Mathematics, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
| | - Valerio Maglianella
- Computational and Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council (CTNLab-ISTC-CNR), Via San Martino della Battaglia 44, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara D'Antonio
- Computational and Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council (CTNLab-ISTC-CNR), Via San Martino della Battaglia 44, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Emiliano Trimarco
- Computational and Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council (CTNLab-ISTC-CNR), Via San Martino della Battaglia 44, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Caligiore
- AI2Life s.r.l., Innovative Start-Up, ISTC-CNR Spin-Off, Via Sebino 32, 00199 Rome, Italy; Computational and Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council (CTNLab-ISTC-CNR), Via San Martino della Battaglia 44, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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Hadoush H, Hadoush A. Modulation of Resting-State Brain Complexity After Bilateral Cerebellar Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: a Randomized Controlled Trial Study. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 22:1109-1117. [PMID: 36156195 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01481-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by aberrant neural networks. Cerebellum is best known for its role in controlling motor behaviors; however, recently, there have been significant reports showed that dysfunction in cerebellar-cerebral networks contributes significantly to many of the clinical features of ASD. Hereby, this is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) study examining the potential modulating effects of bilateral anodal tDCS stimulation over cerebellar hemispheres on the resting-state brain complexity in children with ASD. METHODS Thirty-six children with ASD (aged 4-14) years old were divided equally and randomly into a tDCS treatment group, which underwent 10 sessions (20-min duration, five sessions/per week) of bilateral anodal tDCS stimulation applied over left and right cerebellar hemispheres, and control group underwent the same procedures, but with sham tDCS stimulation. Resting-state brain complexity was evaluated through recording and calculating the approximate entropy (ApxEnt) values of the resting-state electroencephalograph (EEG) data obtained from a 64-channel EEG system before and after the interventions. RESULTS Repeated measures of ANOVA showed that tDCS had significant effects on the treatment group (Wilks' Lambda = 0.29, F (15, 16) = 2.67, p = 0.03) compared with the control group. Analyzed data showed a significant increase in the averaged ApxEnt values in the right frontal cortical region (F (1, 16) = 10.46, p = 0.005) after the bilateral cerebellar anodal tDCS stimulation. Besides, the Cohen's d effect size showed a large effect size (0.70-0.92) of bilateral cerebellar anodal tDCS on the ApxEnt values increases in the left and right frontal cortical regions, the right central cortical region, and left parietal cortical region. However, there were no any significant differences or increases in the brain complexity before and after the sham tDCS stimulation of the control group. CONCLUSION Bilateral cerebellar anodal tDCS modulated and increased the brain complexity in children with ASD with no any reported adverse effect. Hereby, cerebellum and cerebellar-cerebral circuitry would serve as a promising target for non-invasive brain stimulation and neuro-modulation as a therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikmat Hadoush
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid, 22110, Jordan.
| | - Ashraf Hadoush
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Palestine Technical University - Kadoorie, Tulkarm, Palestine
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Liu Y, Ma Y, Zhang J, Yan X, Ouyang Y. Effects of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation on Hereditary Ataxia: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023:10.1007/s12311-023-01638-x. [PMID: 38019418 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-023-01638-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated the potential of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques as a viable treatment option for cerebellar ataxia. However, there is a notable dearth of research investigating the efficacy of NIBS specifically for hereditary ataxia (HA), a distinct subgroup within the broader category of cerebellar ataxia. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis in order to assess the efficacy of various NIBS methods for the treatment of HA. A thorough review of the literature was conducted, encompassing both English and Chinese articles, across eight electrical databases. The focus was on original articles investigating the therapeutic effectiveness of non-invasive brain stimulation for hereditary ataxia, with a publication date prior to March 2023. Subsequently, a meta-analysis was performed specifically on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that fulfilled the eligibility criteria, taking into account the various modalities of non-invasive brain stimulation. A meta-analysis was conducted, comprising five RCTs, which utilized the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) as the outcome measure to evaluate the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The findings revealed a statistically significant mean decrease of 1.77 in the total SARA score following repetitive TMS (rTMS) (p=0.006). Subgroup analysis based on frequency demonstrated a mean decrease of 1.61 in the total SARA score after high-frequency rTMS (p=0.05), while no improvement effects were observed after low-frequency rTMS (p=0.48). Another meta-analysis was performed on three studies, utilizing ICARS scores, to assess the impact of rTMS. The results indicated that there were no statistically significant differences in pooled ICARS scores between the rTMS group and the sham group (MD=0.51, 95%CI: -5.38 to 6.39; p=0.87). These findings align with the pooled results of two studies that evaluated alterations in post-intervention BBS scores (MD=0.74, 95%CI: -5.48 to 6.95; p=0.82). Despite the limited number of studies available, this systematic review and meta-analysis have revealed promising potential benefits of rTMS for hereditary ataxia. However, it is strongly recommended that further high-quality investigations be conducted in this area. Furthermore, the significance of standardized protocols for NIBS in future studies was also emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang City, 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yiming Ma
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang City, 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang City, 110001, Liaoning Province, China
- Department of Neurology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Datong, Datong City, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Xuejing Yan
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang City, 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yi Ouyang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang City, 110001, Liaoning Province, China.
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Benussi A, Batsikadze G, França C, Cury RG, Maas RPPWM. The Therapeutic Potential of Non-Invasive and Invasive Cerebellar Stimulation Techniques in Hereditary Ataxias. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081193. [PMID: 37190102 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The degenerative ataxias comprise a heterogeneous group of inherited and acquired disorders that are characterized by a progressive cerebellar syndrome, frequently in combination with one or more extracerebellar signs. Specific disease-modifying interventions are currently not available for many of these rare conditions, which underscores the necessity of finding effective symptomatic therapies. During the past five to ten years, an increasing number of randomized controlled trials have been conducted examining the potential of different non-invasive brain stimulation techniques to induce symptomatic improvement. In addition, a few smaller studies have explored deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the dentate nucleus as an invasive means to directly modulate cerebellar output, thereby aiming to alleviate ataxia severity. In this paper, we comprehensively review the clinical and neurophysiological effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and dentate nucleus DBS in patients with hereditary ataxias, as well as the presumed underlying mechanisms at the cellular and network level and perspectives for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Benussi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giorgi Batsikadze
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Carina França
- Movement Disorders Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
| | - Rubens G Cury
- Movement Disorders Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-010, Brazil
| | - Roderick P P W M Maas
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Yuasa A, Uehara S, Ushizawa K, Toyama T, Gomez-Tames J, Hirata A, Otaka Y. Effects of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation on upper limb motor function after stroke: study protocol for the pilot of a randomized controlled trial. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2022; 8:259. [PMCID: PMC9748387 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-022-01223-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a technique that can noninvasively modulate neural states in a targeted brain region. As cerebellar activity levels are associated with upper limb motor improvement after stroke, the cerebellum is a plausible target of tDCS. However, the effect of tDCS remains unclear. Here, we designed a pilot study to assess: (1) the feasibility of a study that aims to examine the effects of cerebellar tDCS combined with an intensive rehabilitation approach based on the concept of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) and (2) the preliminary outcome of the combined approach on upper limb motor function in patients with stroke in the chronic stage.
Methods
This pilot study has a double-blind randomized controlled design. Twenty-four chronic stroke patients with mild to moderate levels of upper limb motor impairment will be randomly assigned to an active or sham tDCS group. The participants will receive 20 min of active or sham tDCS to the contralesional cerebellum at the commencement of 4 h of daily intensive training, repeatedly for 5 days per week for 2 weeks. The primary outcomes are recruitment, enrollment, protocol adherence, and retention rates and measures to evaluate the feasibility of the study. The secondary outcome is upper limb motor function which will be evaluated using the Action Research Arm Test, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, for the upper extremity and the Motor Activity Log. Additionally, neurophysiological and neuroanatomical assessments of the cerebellum will be performed using transcranial magnetic stimulation and magnetic resonance imaging. These assessments will be conducted before, at the middle, and after the 2-week intervention, and finally, 1 month after the intervention. Any adverse events that occur during the study will be recorded.
Discussion
Cerebellar tDCS combined with intensive upper limb training may increase the gains of motor improvement when compared to the sham condition. The present study should provide valuable evidence regarding the feasibility of the design and the efficacy of cerebellar tDCS for upper limb motor function in patients with stroke before a future large trial is conducted.
Trial registration
This study has been registered at the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs042200078). Registered 17 December 2020
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Ponce GV, Klaus J, Schutter DJLG. A Brief History of Cerebellar Neurostimulation. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 21:715-730. [PMID: 34403075 PMCID: PMC9325826 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-021-01310-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The first attempts at using electric stimulation to study human brain functions followed the experiments of Luigi Galvani and Giovanni Aldini on animal electricity during the eighteenth century. Since then, the cerebellum has been among the areas that have been studied by invasive and non-invasive forms of electrical and magnetic stimulation. During the nineteenth century, animal experiments were conducted to map the motor-related regions of cerebellar cortex by means of direct electric stimulation. As electric stimulation research on the cerebellum moved into the twentieth century, systematic research of electric cerebellar stimulation led to a better understanding of its effects and mechanism of action. In addition, the clinical potential of cerebellar stimulation in the treatment of motor diseases started to be explored. With the introduction of transcranial electric and magnetic stimulation, cerebellar research moved to non-invasive techniques. During the twenty-first century, following on groundbreaking research that linked the cerebellum to non-motor functions, non-invasive techniques have facilitated research into different aspects of cerebellar functioning. The present review provides a brief historical account of cerebellar neurostimulation and discusses current challenges and future direction in this field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo V Ponce
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jana Klaus
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis J L G Schutter
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Maas RPPWM, Teerenstra S, Toni I, Klockgether T, Schutter DJLG, van de Warrenburg BPC. Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Trial. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1259-1272. [PMID: 35501469 PMCID: PMC9059914 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01231-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeated sessions of cerebellar anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have been suggested to modulate cerebellar-motor cortex (M1) connectivity and decrease ataxia severity. However, therapeutic trials involving etiologically homogeneous groups of ataxia patients are lacking. The objective of this study was to investigate if a two-week regimen of daily cerebellar tDCS sessions diminishes ataxia and non-motor symptom severity and alters cerebellar-M1 connectivity in individuals with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3). We conducted a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial in which twenty mildly to moderately affected SCA3 patients received ten sessions of real or sham cerebellar tDCS (i.e., five days per week for two consecutive weeks). Effects were evaluated after two weeks, three months, six months, and twelve months. Change in Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) score after two weeks was defined as the primary endpoint. Static posturography, SCA Functional Index tests, various patient-reported outcome measures, the cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome scale, and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation to examine cerebellar brain inhibition (CBI) served as secondary endpoints. Absolute change in SARA score did not differ between both trial arms at any of the time points. We observed significant short-term improvements in several motor, cognitive, and patient-reported outcomes after the last stimulation session in both groups but no treatment effects in favor of real tDCS. Nonetheless, some of the patients in the intervention arm showed a sustained reduction in SARA score lasting six or even twelve months, indicating interindividual variability in treatment response. CBI, which reflects the functional integrity of the cerebellothalamocortical tract, remained unchanged after ten tDCS sessions. Albeit exploratory, there was some indication for between-group differences in SARA speech score after six and twelve months and in the number of extracerebellar signs after three and six months. Taken together, our study does not provide evidence that a two-week treatment with daily cerebellar tDCS sessions reduces ataxia severity or restores cerebellar-M1 connectivity in early-to-middle-stage SCA3 patients at the group level. In order to potentially increase therapeutic efficacy, further research is warranted to identify individual predictors of symptomatic improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roderick P P W M Maas
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Steven Teerenstra
- Department for Health Evidence, Biostatistics Section, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ivan Toni
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas Klockgether
- Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Dennis J L G Schutter
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Bart P C van de Warrenburg
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Cerebellar tDCS as Therapy for Cerebellar Ataxias. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 21:755-761. [PMID: 35060077 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-021-01357-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, a growing body of literature has investigated the use of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques to influence cerebellar activity and the effects of cerebellar stimulation on other brain regions through its multiple complex projections. From the early 1990s, with the discovery of the so-called cerebellar inhibition (CBI), several studies have focused their attention on the use of cerebellar NIBS as treatment for different motor disorders. Cerebellar ataxias (CAs) represent the prototypical clinical manifestation of cerebellar alterations, but other movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia have also been associated with alterations of networks which include the cerebellum, or of the cerebellum itself. Cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (ctDCS) could indeed represent an economical, non-invasive therapeutic tool with minimal side effects, thus improving the clinical management of patients and their quality of life. Studies show that ctDCS is effective as a therapeutic option for motor symptoms in patients with CAs, and especially in those with less severe forms, suggesting that ctDCS efficacy could result from augmented neuronal compensation, which itself relies on preserved cerebellar volume. Evidence for the efficacy of ctDCS is less conclusive for the other aforementioned motor disorders, although preliminary results are promising. Future studies should adopt more rigorous methods (e.g., larger sample sizes, double blinding, better characterization of the sample, reliable biomarkers), in order to allow the scientific community to derive higher-quality evidence on the efficacy of ctDCS as a therapeutic option for motor disorders.
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9
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Sival DA, Noort SAMV, Tijssen MAJ, de Koning TJ, Verbeek DS. Developmental neurobiology of cerebellar and Basal Ganglia connections. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2022; 36:123-129. [PMID: 34954622 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high prevalence of mixed phenotypes of Early Onset Ataxia (EOA) with comorbid dystonia has shifted the pathogenetic concept from the cerebellum towards the interconnected cerebellar motor network. This paper on EOA with comorbid dystonia (EOA-dystonia) explores the conceptual relationship between the motor phenotype and the cortico-basal-ganglia-ponto-cerebellar network. METHODS In EOA-dystonia, we reviewed anatomic-, genetic- and biochemical-studies on the comorbidity between ataxia and dystonia. RESULTS In a clinical EOA cohort, the prevalence of dystonia was over 60%. Both human and animal studies converge on the underlying role for the cortico-basal-ganglia-ponto-cerebellar network. Genetic -clinical and -in silico network studies reveal underlying biological pathways for energy production and neural signal transduction. CONCLUSIONS EOA-dystonia phenotypes are attributable to the cortico-basal-ganglia-ponto-cerebellar network, instead of to the cerebellum, alone. The underlying anatomic and pathogenetic pathways have clinical implications for our understanding of the heterogeneous phenotype, neuro-metabolic and genetic testing and potentially also for new treatment strategies, including neuro-modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A Sival
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Suus A M van Noort
- Department of Neurology and University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marina A J Tijssen
- Department of Neurology and University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Tom J de Koning
- Department of Neurology and University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Dineke S Verbeek
- Genetics University Medical Center, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Split-Belt Training but Not Cerebellar Anodal tDCS Improves Stability Control and Reduces Risk of Fall in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Brain Sci 2021; 12:brainsci12010063. [PMID: 35053807 PMCID: PMC8773736 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12010063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the therapeutic potential of multiple sessions of training on a split-belt treadmill (SBT) combined with cerebellar anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on gait and balance in People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). Twenty-two PwMS received six sessions of anodal (PwMSreal, n = 12) or sham (PwMSsham, n = 10) tDCS to the cerebellum prior to performing the locomotor adaptation task on the SBT. To evaluate the effect of the intervention, functional gait assessment (FGA) scores and distance walked in 2 min (2MWT) were measured at the baseline (T0), day 6 (T5), and at the 4-week follow up (T6). Locomotor performance and changes of motor outcomes were similar in PwMSreal and PwMSsham independently from tDCS mode applied to the cerebellum (anodal vs. sham, on FGA, p = 0.23; and 2MWT, p = 0.49). When the data were pooled across the groups to investigate the effects of multiple sessions of SBT training alone, significant improvement of gait and balance was found on T5 and T6, respectively, relative to baseline (FGA, p < 0.001 for both time points). The FGA change at T6 was significantly higher than at T5 (p = 0.01) underlining a long-lasting improvement. An improvement of the distance walked during the 2MWT was also observed on T5 and T6 relative to T0 (p = 0.002). Multiple sessions of SBT training resulted in a lasting improvement of gait stability and endurance, thus potentially reducing the risk of fall as measured by FGA and 2MWT. Application of cerebellar tDCS during SBT walking had no additional effect on locomotor outcomes.
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Manto M, Argyropoulos GPD, Bocci T, Celnik PA, Corben LA, Guidetti M, Koch G, Priori A, Rothwell JC, Sadnicka A, Spampinato D, Ugawa Y, Wessel MJ, Ferrucci R. Consensus Paper: Novel Directions and Next Steps of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation of the Cerebellum in Health and Disease. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2021; 21:1092-1122. [PMID: 34813040 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-021-01344-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The cerebellum is involved in multiple closed-loops circuitry which connect the cerebellar modules with the motor cortex, prefrontal, temporal, and parietal cortical areas, and contribute to motor control, cognitive processes, emotional processing, and behavior. Among them, the cerebello-thalamo-cortical pathway represents the anatomical substratum of cerebellum-motor cortex inhibition (CBI). However, the cerebellum is also connected with basal ganglia by disynaptic pathways, and cerebellar involvement in disorders commonly associated with basal ganglia dysfunction (e.g., Parkinson's disease and dystonia) has been suggested. Lately, cerebellar activity has been targeted by non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to indirectly affect and tune dysfunctional circuitry in the brain. Although the results are promising, several questions remain still unsolved. Here, a panel of experts from different specialties (neurophysiology, neurology, neurosurgery, neuropsychology) reviews the current results on cerebellar NIBS with the aim to derive the future steps and directions needed. We discuss the effects of TMS in the field of cerebellar neurophysiology, the potentials of cerebellar tDCS, the role of animal models in cerebellar NIBS applications, and the possible application of cerebellar NIBS in motor learning, stroke recovery, speech and language functions, neuropsychiatric and movement disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Manto
- Service de Neurologie, CHU-Charleroi, 6000, Charleroi, Belgium.,Service Des Neurosciences, UMons, 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Georgios P D Argyropoulos
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Tommaso Bocci
- Aldo Ravelli Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Neurotherapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142, Milan, Italy.,ASST Santi Paolo E Carlo, Via di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Pablo A Celnik
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Louise A Corben
- Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville. Victoria, Australia
| | - Matteo Guidetti
- Aldo Ravelli Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Neurotherapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142, Milan, Italy.,Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico Di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Koch
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, via Ardeatina 306, 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Priori
- Aldo Ravelli Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Neurotherapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142, Milan, Italy.,ASST Santi Paolo E Carlo, Via di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - John C Rothwell
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Anna Sadnicka
- Motor Control and Movement Disorders Group, St George's University of London, London, UK.,Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Danny Spampinato
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, via Ardeatina 306, 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - Yoshikazu Ugawa
- Department of Human Neurophysiology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Maximilian J Wessel
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Geneva, Switzerland.,Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL Valais), Clinique Romande de Réadaptation, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Roberta Ferrucci
- Aldo Ravelli Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Neurotherapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20142, Milan, Italy. .,ASST Santi Paolo E Carlo, Via di Rudinì, 8, 20142, Milan, Italy.
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12
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Wang SM, Chan YW, Tsui YO, Chu FY. Effects of Anodal Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Movements in Patients with Cerebellar Ataxias: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10690. [PMID: 34682435 PMCID: PMC8535754 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (cerebellar tDCS) is a promising therapy for cerebellar ataxias and has attracted increasing attention from researchers and clinicians. A timely systematic review focusing on randomized sham-controlled trials and repeated measures studies is warranted. This study was to systematically review existing evidence regarding effects of anodal cerebellar tDCS on movements in patients with cerebellar ataxias. The searched databases included Web of Science, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and EBSCOhost. Methodological quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Five studies with 86 patients were identified. Among these, four studies showed positive effects of anodal cerebellar tDCS. Specifically, anodal cerebellar tDCS decreased disease severity and improved finger dexterity and quality of life in patients, but showed incongruent effects on gait control and balance, which may be due to heterogeneity of research participants and choices of measures. The protocols of anodal cerebellar tDCS that improved movements in patients commonly placed the anode over the whole cerebellum and provided ten 2-mA 20-min stimulation sessions. The results may show preliminary evidence that anodal cerebellar tDCS is beneficial to reducing disease severity and improving finger dexterity and quality of life in patients, which lays the groundwork for future studies further examining responses in the cerebello-thalamo-cortical pathway. An increase in sample size, the use of homogeneous patient groups, exploration of the optimal stimulation protocol, and investigation of detailed neural mechanisms are clearly needed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Mei Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong; (Y.-W.C.); (Y.-O.T.); (F.-Y.C.)
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13
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Benussi A, Cantoni V, Manes M, Libri I, Dell'Era V, Datta A, Thomas C, Ferrari C, Di Fonzo A, Fancellu R, Grassi M, Brusco A, Alberici A, Borroni B. Motor and cognitive outcomes of cerebello-spinal stimulation in neurodegenerative ataxia. Brain 2021; 144:2310-2321. [PMID: 33950222 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar ataxias represent a heterogeneous group of disabling disorders characterized by motor and cognitive disturbances, for which no effective treatment is currently available. In this randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial, followed by an open-label phase, we investigated whether treatment with cerebello-spinal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) could improve both motor and cognitive symptoms in patients with neurodegenerative ataxia at short and long-term. Sixty-one patients were randomized in two groups for the first controlled phase. At baseline (T0), Group 1 received placebo stimulation (sham tDCS) while Group 2 received anodal cerebellar tDCS and cathodal spinal tDCS (real tDCS) for 5 days/week for two weeks (T1), with a 12-week (T2) follow-up (randomized, double-blind, sham controlled phase). At the 12-week follow-up (T2), all patients (Group 1 and Group 2) received a second treatment of anodal cerebellar tDCS and cathodal spinal tDCS (real tDCS) for 5 days/week for two weeks, with a 14-week (T3), 24-week (T4), 36-week (T5) and 52-week follow-up (T6) (open-label phase). At each time point, a clinical, neuropsychological and neurophysiological evaluation was performed. Cerebellar-motor cortex connectivity was evaluated using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We observed a significant improvement in all motor scores (scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia, international cooperative ataxia rating scale), in cognition (evaluated with the cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome scale), in quality-of-life scores, in motor cortex excitability and in cerebellar inhibition after real tDCS compared to sham stimulation and compared to baseline (T0), both at short and long-term. We observed an addon-effect after two repeated treatments with real tDCS compared to a single treatment with real tDCS. The improvement at motor and cognitive scores correlated with the restoration of cerebellar inhibition evaluated with TMS. Cerebello-spinal tDCS represents a promising therapeutic approach for both motor and cognitive symptoms in patients with neurodegenerative ataxia, a still orphan disorder of any pharmacological intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Benussi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Cantoni
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marta Manes
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Neurology Unit, Aulss2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy
| | - Ilenia Libri
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Dell'Era
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Neurology, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Abhishek Datta
- Research & Development, Soterix Medical, Inc., New York, USA
| | - Chris Thomas
- Research & Development, Soterix Medical, Inc., New York, USA
| | - Camilla Ferrari
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Di Fonzo
- Dino Ferrari Center, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Fancellu
- UO Neurologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mario Grassi
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, Medical and Genomic Statistics Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alfredo Brusco
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Medical Genetics Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Antonella Alberici
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Barbara Borroni
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
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14
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Mitoma H, Kakei S, Yamaguchi K, Manto M. Physiology of Cerebellar Reserve: Redundancy and Plasticity of a Modular Machine. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4777. [PMID: 33946358 PMCID: PMC8124536 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum is endowed with the capacity for compensation and restoration after pathological injury, a property known as cerebellar reserve. Such capacity is attributed to two unique morphological and physiological features of the cerebellum. First, mossy fibers that convey peripheral and central information run mediolaterally over a wide area of the cerebellum, resulting in the innervation of multiple microzones, commonly known as cerebellar functional units. Thus, a single microzone receives redundant information that can be used in pathological conditions. Secondly, the circuitry is characterized by a co-operative interplay among various forms of synaptic plasticity. Recent progress in understanding the mechanisms of redundant information and synaptic plasticity has allowed outlining therapeutic strategies potentiating these neural substrates to enhance the cerebellar reserve, taking advantage of the unique physiological properties of the cerebellum which appears as a modular and potentially reconfiguring brain structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Mitoma
- Department of Medical Education, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-8402, Japan
| | - Shinji Kakei
- Laboratory for Movement Disorders, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan;
| | - Kazuhiko Yamaguchi
- Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Neuroscience, Tokyo 187-8551, Japan;
| | - Mario Manto
- Unité des Ataxies Cérébelleuses, Service de Neurologie, Médiathèque Jean Jacquy, CHU-Charleroi, 6000 Charleroi, Belgium;
- Service des Neurosciences, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium
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15
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Billeri L, Naro A. A narrative review on non-invasive stimulation of the cerebellum in neurological diseases. Neurol Sci 2021; 42:2191-2209. [PMID: 33759055 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05187-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The cerebellum plays an important role in motor, cognitive, and affective functions owing to its dense interconnections with basal ganglia and cerebral cortex. This review aimed at summarizing the non-invasive cerebellar stimulation (NICS) approaches used to modulate cerebellar output and treat cerebellar dysfunction in the motor domain. OBSERVATION The utility of NICS in the treatment of cerebellar and non-cerebellar neurological diseases (including Parkinson's disease, dementia, cerebellar ataxia, and stroke) is discussed. NICS induces meaningful clinical effects from repeated sessions alone in both cerebellar and non-cerebellar diseases. However, there are no conclusive data on this issue and several concerns need to be still addressed before NICS could be considered a valuable, standard therapeutic tool. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Even though some challenges must be overcome to adopt NICS in a wider clinical setting, this tool might become a useful strategy to help patients with lesions in the cerebellum and cerebral areas that are connected with the cerebellum whether one could enhance cerebellar activity with the intention of facilitating the cerebellum and the entire, related network, rather than attempting to facilitate a partially damaged cortical region or inhibiting the homologs' contralateral area. The different outcome of each approach would depend on the residual functional reserve of the cerebellum, which is confirmed as a critical element to be probed preliminary in order to define the best patient-tailored NICS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Billeri
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, SS113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonino Naro
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, via Palermo, SS113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124, Messina, Italy.
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16
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Wessel MJ, Park CH, Beanato E, Cuttaz EA, Timmermann JE, Schulz R, Morishita T, Koch PJ, Hummel FC. Multifocal stimulation of the cerebro-cerebellar loop during the acquisition of a novel motor skill. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1756. [PMID: 33469089 PMCID: PMC7815761 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81154-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)-based interventions for augmenting motor learning are gaining interest in systems neuroscience and clinical research. Current approaches focus largely on monofocal motorcortical stimulation. Innovative stimulation protocols, accounting for motor learning related brain network interactions also, may further enhance effect sizes. Here, we tested different stimulation approaches targeting the cerebro-cerebellar loop. Forty young, healthy participants trained a fine motor skill with concurrent tDCS in four sessions over two days, testing the following conditions: (1) monofocal motorcortical, (2) sham, (3) monofocal cerebellar, or (4) sequential multifocal motorcortico-cerebellar stimulation in a double-blind, parallel design. Skill retention was assessed after circa 10 and 20 days. Furthermore, potential underlying mechanisms were studied, applying paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation and multimodal magnetic resonance imaging-based techniques. Multisession motorcortical stimulation facilitated skill acquisition, when compared with sham. The data failed to reveal beneficial effects of monofocal cerebellar or additive effects of sequential multifocal motorcortico-cerebellar stimulation. Multimodal multiple linear regression modelling identified baseline task performance and structural integrity of the bilateral superior cerebellar peduncle as the most influential predictors for training success. Multisession application of motorcortical tDCS in several daily sessions may further boost motor training efficiency. This has potential implications for future rehabilitation trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian J Wessel
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland. .,Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL Valais), Sion, Switzerland.
| | - Chang-Hyun Park
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland.,Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL Valais), Sion, Switzerland
| | - Elena Beanato
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland.,Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL Valais), Sion, Switzerland
| | - Estelle A Cuttaz
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland.,Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL Valais), Sion, Switzerland
| | - Jan E Timmermann
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Robert Schulz
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Takuya Morishita
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland.,Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL Valais), Sion, Switzerland
| | - Philipp J Koch
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland.,Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL Valais), Sion, Switzerland
| | - Friedhelm C Hummel
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Campus Biotech, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland.,Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Clinique Romande de Réadaptation, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL Valais), Sion, Switzerland.,Clinical Neuroscience, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
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17
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Dysmetria and Errors in Predictions: The Role of Internal Forward Model. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186900. [PMID: 32962256 PMCID: PMC7555030 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The terminology of cerebellar dysmetria embraces a ubiquitous symptom in motor deficits, oculomotor symptoms, and cognitive/emotional symptoms occurring in cerebellar ataxias. Patients with episodic ataxia exhibit recurrent episodes of ataxia, including motor dysmetria. Despite the consensus that cerebellar dysmetria is a cardinal symptom, there is still no agreement on its pathophysiological mechanisms to date since its first clinical description by Babinski. We argue that impairment in the predictive computation for voluntary movements explains a range of characteristics accompanied by dysmetria. Within this framework, the cerebellum acquires and maintains an internal forward model, which predicts current and future states of the body by integrating an estimate of the previous state and a given efference copy of motor commands. Two of our recent studies experimentally support the internal-forward-model hypothesis of the cerebellar circuitry. First, the cerebellar outputs (firing rates of dentate nucleus cells) contain predictive information for the future cerebellar inputs (firing rates of mossy fibers). Second, a component of movement kinematics is predictive for target motions in control subjects. In cerebellar patients, the predictive component lags behind a target motion and is compensated with a feedback component. Furthermore, a clinical analysis has examined kinematic and electromyography (EMG) features using a task of elbow flexion goal-directed movements, which mimics the finger-to-nose test. Consistent with the hypothesis of the internal forward model, the predictive activations in the triceps muscles are impaired, and the impaired predictive activations result in hypermetria (overshoot). Dysmetria stems from deficits in the predictive computation of the internal forward model in the cerebellum. Errors in this fundamental mechanism result in undershoot (hypometria) and overshoot during voluntary motor actions. The predictive computation of the forward model affords error-based motor learning, coordination of multiple degrees of freedom, and adequate timing of muscle activities. Both the timing and synergy theory fit with the internal forward model, microzones being the elemental computational unit, and the anatomical organization of converging inputs to the Purkinje neurons providing them the unique property of a perceptron in the brain. We propose that motor dysmetria observed in attacks of ataxia occurs as a result of impaired predictive computation of the internal forward model in the cerebellum.
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18
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Chen TX, Yang CY, Willson G, Lin CC, Kuo SH. The Efficacy and Safety of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Cerebellar Ataxia: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. THE CEREBELLUM 2020; 20:124-133. [PMID: 32833224 PMCID: PMC7864859 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-020-01181-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background – A promising new approach, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has recently been used as a therapeutic modality for cerebellar ataxia. However, the strength of the conclusions drawn from individual studies in the current literature may be constrained by the small sample size of each trial. Methods – Following a systematic literature retrieval of studies, meta-analyses were conducted by pooling the standardized mean differences (SMDs) using random-effects models to assess the efficacy of tDCS on cerebellar ataxia, measured by standard clinical rating scales. Domain-specific effects of tDCS on gait and hand function were further evaluated based on 8-meter walk and 9-hole peg test performance times, respectively. To determine the safety of tDCS, the incidences of adverse effects were analyzed using risk differences. Results – Out of 293 citations, 5 randomized controlled trials involving a total of 72 participants with cerebellar ataxia were included. Meta-analysis indicated a 26.1% (p = 0.003) improvement in ataxia immediately after tDCS with sustained efficacy over months (28.2% improvement after 3 months, p = 0.04) when compared to sham stimulation. tDCS seems to be domain-specific as the current analysis suggested a positive effect on gait (16.3% improvement, p = 0.04), however failed to reveal differences for hand function (p = 0.10) with respect to sham. The incidence of adverse events in tDCS and sham groups was similar. Conclusion – tDCS is an effective intervention for mitigating ataxia symptoms with lasting results that can be sustained for months. This treatment shows preferential effects on gait ataxia and is relatively safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany X Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, 650 West 168th Street, Room 305, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Chen-Ya Yang
- Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, 650 West 168th Street, Room 305, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Initiative for Columbia Ataxia and Tremor, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Chiayi and Wanqiao Branch, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Gloria Willson
- Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library, Columbia University New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chih-Chun Lin
- Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, 650 West 168th Street, Room 305, New York, NY, 10032, USA.,Initiative for Columbia Ataxia and Tremor, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, 650 West 168th Street, Room 305, New York, NY, 10032, USA. .,Initiative for Columbia Ataxia and Tremor, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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19
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Ganguly J, Murgai A, Sharma S, Aur D, Jog M. Non-invasive Transcranial Electrical Stimulation in Movement Disorders. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:522. [PMID: 32581682 PMCID: PMC7290124 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction within large-scale brain networks as the basis for movement disorders is an accepted hypothesis. The treatment options for restoring network function are limited. Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation are now being studied to modify the network. Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) is also a portable, cost-effective, and non-invasive way of network modulation. Transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial alternating current stimulation have been studied in Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, tremor, and ataxia. Transcranial pulsed current stimulation and transcranial random noise stimulation are not yet studied enough. The literature in the use of these techniques is intriguing, yet many unanswered questions remain. In this review, we highlight the studies using these four potential tES techniques and their electrophysiological basis and consider the therapeutic implication in the field of movement disorders. The objectives are to consolidate the current literature, demonstrate that these methods are feasible, and encourage the application of such techniques in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacky Ganguly
- Movement Disorder Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Aditya Murgai
- Movement Disorder Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Soumya Sharma
- Movement Disorder Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Dorian Aur
- Movement Disorder Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Mandar Jog
- Movement Disorder Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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20
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Kenville R, Maudrich T, Maudrich D, Villringer A, Ragert P. Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Improves Maximum Isometric Force Production during Isometric Barbell Squats. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10040235. [PMID: 32295234 PMCID: PMC7226563 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10040235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Maximum contraction force (MVC) is an important predictor of athletic performance as well as physical fitness throughout life. Many everyday life activities involve multi-joint or whole-body movements that are determined in part through optimized muscle strength. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been reported to enhance muscle strength parameters in single-joint movements after its application to motor cortical areas, although tDCS effects on MIVC in compound movements remain to be investigated. Here, we tested whether anodal tDCS and/or sham stimulation over primary motor cortex (M1) and cerebellum (CB) improves maximum isometric contraction force (MIVC) during isometric barbell squats (iBS). Our results provide novel evidence that CB stimulation enhances MIVC during iBS. Although this indicates that parameters relating to muscle strength can be modulated through anodal tDCS of the cerebellum, our results serve as an initial reference point and need to be extended. Therefore, further studies are necessary to expand knowledge in this area of research through the inclusion of different tDCS paradigms, for example investigating dynamic barbell squats, as well as testing other whole-body movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouven Kenville
- Institute for General Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Faculty of Sport Science, University of Leipzig, D-04109 Leipzig, Germany; (T.M.); (P.R.)
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany; (D.M.); (A.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-341-9940-2407
| | - Tom Maudrich
- Institute for General Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Faculty of Sport Science, University of Leipzig, D-04109 Leipzig, Germany; (T.M.); (P.R.)
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany; (D.M.); (A.V.)
| | - Dennis Maudrich
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany; (D.M.); (A.V.)
| | - Arno Villringer
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany; (D.M.); (A.V.)
- Clinic for Cognitive Neurology, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- MindBrainBody Institute at Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10099 Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Ragert
- Institute for General Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Faculty of Sport Science, University of Leipzig, D-04109 Leipzig, Germany; (T.M.); (P.R.)
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany; (D.M.); (A.V.)
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21
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Orrù G, Cesari V, Conversano C, Gemignani A. The clinical application of transcranial direct current stimulation in patients with cerebellar ataxia: a systematic review. Int J Neurosci 2020; 131:681-688. [PMID: 32228395 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2020.1750399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this review was to investigate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on motor function in patients with cerebellar ataxia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our systematic review has been performed by searching full-text articles on Pubmed and Scopus. Only studies investigating the motor effects of tDCS in patients with cerebellar ataxias were considered. A qualitative analysis of data was performed, as the methodology of the selected studies was highly heterogeneous. RESULTS Our search yielded a total of twenty-seven hits. Based on the inclusion criteria, 19 of these were excluded and 89 were retained (number of patients = 81).The results reviewed so far suggest that tDCS over cerebellum combined or not with extra-cerebellar areas might be promising approach to improve motor outcomes, with a greater success in patients less impaired. In particular, it is been shown an improvement in both clinical measures assessing cerebellar deficits (i.e. gait, stance and oculomotor disorders) and performance measures (finger dexterity, upper limb coordination and gait speed). Some of the assessed investigations highlighted a restore effect of cerebellar brain inhibition pathway and resting motor threshold after tDCS. CONCLUSIONS tDCS could be considered an effective approach to promote plasticity in patient with cerebellar ataxia with significant motor effects. Future studies, with larger sample sizes are needed in order to evaluate the effective tDCS benefits on motor functionality. Due to the limited number of studies available so far, conclusions on the effectiveness of the reported approaches are premature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziella Orrù
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular & Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valentina Cesari
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular & Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ciro Conversano
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular & Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Angelo Gemignani
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular & Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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22
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Benussi A, Pascual-Leone A, Borroni B. Non-Invasive Cerebellar Stimulation in Neurodegenerative Ataxia: A Literature Review. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21061948. [PMID: 32178459 PMCID: PMC7139863 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21061948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Benussi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Alvaro Pascual-Leone
- Arthur and Hinda Marcus Institute for Aging Brain, Hebrew SeniorLife and Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02131, USA;
- Guttmann Brain Health Institute, Institute Guttmann, Universitat Autonoma, 08027 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Barbara Borroni
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-030-3995632
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23
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Abstract
Cerebellar ataxia can be caused by a variety of disorders, including degenerative processes, autoimmune and paraneoplastic illness as well as by gene mutations inherited in autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked fashions. In this review, we highlight the treatments for cerebellar ataxia in a systematic way, to provide guidance for clinicians who treat patients with cerebellar ataxia. In addition, we review therapies currently under development for ataxia, which we feel is currently one of the most exciting fields in neurology.
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24
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Non-invasive brain stimulation to enhance cognitive rehabilitation after stroke. Neurosci Lett 2020; 719:133678. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.06.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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25
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Recent Advances in the Treatment of Cerebellar Disorders. Brain Sci 2019; 10:brainsci10010011. [PMID: 31878024 PMCID: PMC7017280 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Various etiopathologies affect the cerebellum, resulting in the development of cerebellar ataxias (CAs), a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized clinically by movement incoordination, affective dysregulation, and cognitive dysmetria. Recent progress in clinical and basic research has opened the door of the ‘‘era of therapy” of CAs. The therapeutic rationale of cerebellar diseases takes into account the capacity of the cerebellum to compensate for pathology and restoration, which is collectively termed cerebellar reserve. In general, treatments of CAs are classified into two categories: cause-cure treatments, aimed at arresting disease progression, and neuromodulation therapies, aimed at potentiating cerebellar reserve. Both forms of therapies should be introduced as soon as possible, at a time where cerebellar reserve is still preserved. Clinical studies have established evidence-based cause-cure treatments for metabolic and immune-mediated CAs. Elaborate protocols of rehabilitation and non-invasive cerebellar stimulation facilitate cerebellar reserve, leading to recovery in the case of controllable pathologies (metabolic and immune-mediated CAs) and delay of disease progression in the case of uncontrollable pathologies (degenerative CAs). Furthermore, recent advances in molecular biology have encouraged the development of new forms of therapies: the molecular targeting therapy, which manipulates impaired RNA or proteins, and the neurotransplantation therapy, which delays cell degeneration and facilitates compensatory functions. The present review focuses on the therapeutic rationales of these recently developed therapeutic modalities, highlighting the underlying pathogenesis.
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26
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Maas RPPWM, Helmich RCG, van de Warrenburg BPC. The role of the cerebellum in degenerative ataxias and essential tremor: Insights from noninvasive modulation of cerebellar activity. Mov Disord 2019; 35:215-227. [PMID: 31820832 PMCID: PMC7027854 DOI: 10.1002/mds.27919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last three decades, measuring and modulating cerebellar activity and its connectivity with other brain regions has become an emerging research topic in clinical neuroscience. The most important connection is the cerebellothalamocortical pathway, which can be functionally interrogated using a paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation paradigm. Cerebellar brain inhibition reflects the magnitude of suppression of motor cortex excitability after stimulating the contralateral cerebellar hemisphere and therefore represents a neurophysiological marker of the integrity of the efferent cerebellar tract. Observations that cerebellar noninvasive stimulation techniques enhanced performance of certain motor and cognitive tasks in healthy individuals have inspired attempts to modulate cerebellar activity and connectivity in patients with cerebellar diseases in order to achieve clinical benefit. We here comprehensively explore the therapeutic potential of these techniques in two movement disorders characterized by prominent cerebellar involvement, namely the degenerative ataxias and essential tremor. The article aims to illustrate the (patho)physiological insights obtained from these studies and how these translate into clinical practice, where possible by addressing the association with cerebellar brain inhibition. Finally, possible explanations for some discordant interstudy findings, shortcomings in our current understanding, and recommendations for future research will be provided. © 2019 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roderick P P W M Maas
- Department of Neurology & Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Rick C G Helmich
- Department of Neurology & Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Bart P C van de Warrenburg
- Department of Neurology & Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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27
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Miterko LN, Baker KB, Beckinghausen J, Bradnam LV, Cheng MY, Cooperrider J, DeLong MR, Gornati SV, Hallett M, Heck DH, Hoebeek FE, Kouzani AZ, Kuo SH, Louis ED, Machado A, Manto M, McCambridge AB, Nitsche MA, Taib NOB, Popa T, Tanaka M, Timmann D, Steinberg GK, Wang EH, Wichmann T, Xie T, Sillitoe RV. Consensus Paper: Experimental Neurostimulation of the Cerebellum. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2019; 18:1064-1097. [PMID: 31165428 PMCID: PMC6867990 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-019-01041-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The cerebellum is best known for its role in controlling motor behaviors. However, recent work supports the view that it also influences non-motor behaviors. The contribution of the cerebellum towards different brain functions is underscored by its involvement in a diverse and increasing number of neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions including ataxia, dystonia, essential tremor, Parkinson's disease (PD), epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia. Although there are no cures for these conditions, cerebellar stimulation is quickly gaining attention for symptomatic alleviation, as cerebellar circuitry has arisen as a promising target for invasive and non-invasive neuromodulation. This consensus paper brings together experts from the fields of neurophysiology, neurology, and neurosurgery to discuss recent efforts in using the cerebellum as a therapeutic intervention. We report on the most advanced techniques for manipulating cerebellar circuits in humans and animal models and define key hurdles and questions for moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren N Miterko
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Neuroscience, Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kenneth B Baker
- Neurological Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Jaclyn Beckinghausen
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Neuroscience, Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Lynley V Bradnam
- Department of Exercise Science, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Michelle Y Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1201 Welch Road, MSLS P352, Stanford, CA, 94305-5487, USA
| | - Jessica Cooperrider
- Neurological Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Mahlon R DeLong
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Simona V Gornati
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 AA, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mark Hallett
- Human Motor Control Section, NINDS, NIH, Building 10, Room 7D37, 10 Center Dr MSC 1428, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1428, USA
| | - Detlef H Heck
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 855 Monroe Ave, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Freek E Hoebeek
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 AA, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- NIDOD Department, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Abbas Z Kouzani
- School of Engineering, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Elan D Louis
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Center for Neuroepidemiology and Clinical Research, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Andre Machado
- Neurological Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Mario Manto
- Service de Neurologie, CHU-Charleroi, 6000, Charleroi, Belgium
- Service des Neurosciences, Université de Mons, 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Alana B McCambridge
- Graduate School of Health, Physiotherapy, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Michael A Nitsche
- Department of Psychology and Neurosiences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Traian Popa
- Human Motor Control Section, NINDS, NIH, Building 10, Room 7D37, 10 Center Dr MSC 1428, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1428, USA
- Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, Center for Neuroprosthetics (CNP) and Brain Mind Institute (BMI), Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Sion, Switzerland
| | - Masaki Tanaka
- Department of Physiology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Dagmar Timmann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Gary K Steinberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1201 Welch Road, MSLS P352, Stanford, CA, 94305-5487, USA
- R281 Department of Neurosurgery, Stanfod University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Eric H Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1201 Welch Road, MSLS P352, Stanford, CA, 94305-5487, USA
| | - Thomas Wichmann
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Tao Xie
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 2030, Chicago, IL, 60637-1470, USA
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Neuroscience, Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Maas RPPWM, Toni I, Doorduin J, Klockgether T, Schutter DJLG, van de Warrenburg BPC. Cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3-tDCS): rationale and protocol of a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study. BMC Neurol 2019; 19:149. [PMID: 31272408 PMCID: PMC6610834 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-019-1379-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is the most common subtype among the autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias, a group of neurodegenerative disorders for which currently no disease-specific therapy is available. Evidence-based options for symptomatic treatment of ataxia are also limited. Recent investigations in a heterogeneous group of hereditary and acquired ataxias showed promising, prolonged effects of a two-week course with daily sessions of cerebellar anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on ataxia severity, gait speed, and upper limb dexterity. The aim of the SCA3-tDCS study is to further examine whether tDCS improves ataxia severity and various (cerebellar) non-motor symptoms in a homogeneous cohort of SCA3 patients and to explore the time course of these effects. METHODS/DESIGN An investigator-initiated, double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled, single-center trial will be conducted. Twenty mildly to moderately affected SCA3 patients (Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia score between 3 and 20) will be included and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either cerebellar anodal tDCS or sham cerebellar tDCS. Patients, investigators, and outcome assessors are unaware of treatment allocation. Cerebellar tDCS (20 min, 2 mA, ramp-up and down periods of 30 s each) will be delivered over ten sessions, distributed in two groups of five consecutive days with a two-day break in between. Outcomes are assessed after a single session of tDCS, after the tenth stimulation (T1), and after three, six, and twelve months. The primary outcome measure is the absolute change of the SARA score between baseline and T1. In addition, effects on a variety of other motor and neuropsychological functions in which the cerebellum is known to be involved will be evaluated using quantitative motor tests, static posturography, neurophysiological measurements, cognitive assessment, and questionnaires. DISCUSSION The results of this study will inform us whether repeated sessions of cerebellar anodal tDCS benefit SCA3 patients and whether this form of non-invasive stimulation might be a novel therapeutic approach to consider in a neurorehabilitation setting. Combined with two earlier controlled trials, a positive effect of the SCA3-tDCS study will encourage implementation of this intervention and stimulate further research in other SCAs and heredodegenerative ataxias. TRIAL REGISTRATION NL7321 , registered October 8, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roderick P. P. W. M. Maas
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Reinier Postlaan 4, 6525 GC Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ivan Toni
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jonne Doorduin
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Reinier Postlaan 4, 6525 GC Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Klockgether
- Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Dennis J. L. G. Schutter
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart P. C. van de Warrenburg
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Reinier Postlaan 4, 6525 GC Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Behrangrad S, Zoghi M, Kidgell D, Jaberzadeh S. Does cerebellar non-invasive brain stimulation affect corticospinal excitability in healthy individuals? A systematic review of literature and meta-analysis. Neurosci Lett 2019; 706:128-139. [PMID: 31102706 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies have indicated that non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) of the cerebellum could modulate corticospinal excitability (CSE) in young healthy individuals. However, there is no systematic review and meta-analysis that clarifies the effects of cerebellar NIBS on CSE. The aim of this study was to provide a meta-analytic summary of the effects of cerebellar NIBS on CSE. Seven search engines were used to identify any trial evaluating CSE before and after one session of cerebellar NIBS in healthy individuals up to June 2018. Twenty-six studies investigating the corticospinal responses following cerebellar NIBS were included. Meta-analysis was used to pool the findings from included studies. Effects were expressed as mean differences (MD) and the standard deviation (SD). Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane tool. Meta-analysis found that paired associative stimulation (PAS) with 2 ms interval, a combination of PAS with 21.5 ms interval and anodal transcranial direct current stimulation, and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation with a frequency of < 5 Hz increase CSE (P PAS2 < 0.00001, P PAS21.5 +a-tDCS = 0.02, P rTMS = 0.04). However, continuous theta burst stimulation, a combination of PAS with 25 ms interval and anodal transcranial direct current stimulation, and PAS with a 6 ms interval decreased CSE (P PAS6 < 0.00001, P cTBS < 0.00001, P PAS25 +a-tDCS = 0.003). The results of this review show that cerebellar NIBS techniques are a promising tool for increasing CSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Behrangrad
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, P.O. Box 527, Australia.
| | - Maryam Zoghi
- Department of Rehabilitation, Nutrition and Sport, School of Allied Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dawson Kidgell
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, P.O. Box 527, Australia
| | - Shapour Jaberzadeh
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, P.O. Box 527, Australia
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30
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Barretto TL, Bandeira ID, Jagersbacher JG, Barretto BL, de Oliveira E Torres ÂFS, Peña N, Miranda JGV, Lucena R. Transcranial direct current stimulation in the treatment of cerebellar ataxia: A two-phase, double-blind, auto-matched, pilot study. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2019; 182:123-129. [PMID: 31121471 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2019.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of tDCS on posture, gait and coordination of movements in subjects with cerebellar ataxia. PATIENTS AND METHODS This is a two-phase, double blind, auto matched, pilot study. Seven people were selected to participate in the study aged from 14 to 57. tDCS and sham-tDCS were applied at different times to all participants for 40 min over five consecutive days so that they were blind to which of the two techniques was applied at any one time. The area stimulated was the bilateral motor cortex. Subjects were evaluated before and after the interventions using the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) and specific tests to measure posture and balance were carried out using the Wii Fit platform and CvMob software. RESULTS The study indicates a statistically significant improvement in respect of gait parameters and the total score of the SARA scale and Wii Fit platform after tDCS when compared with data obtained from sham-tDCS trials (p: 0,03). The adverse events relating to tDCS were all self-limiting and from mild to moderate intensity. CONCLUSION Despite the small sample size, tDCS showed positive results in some motor parameters and could be considered a valuable new option for the treatment of cerebellar ataxias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Lima Barretto
- Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Medical School of Bahia, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Igor Dórea Bandeira
- Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Medical School of Bahia, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - João Gabriel Jagersbacher
- Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Medical School of Bahia, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Bianca Lima Barretto
- Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Medical School of Bahia, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Norberto Peña
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Rita Lucena
- Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Medical School of Bahia, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
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Ferrucci R, Bocci T, Cortese F, Ruggiero F, Priori A. Noninvasive Cerebellar Stimulation as a Complement Tool to Pharmacotherapy. Curr Neuropharmacol 2019; 17:14-20. [PMID: 29141551 PMCID: PMC6341494 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666171114142422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebellar ataxias represent a wide and heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by balance and coordination disturbance, dysarthria, dyssynergia and adyadococinesia, caused by a dysfunction in the cerebellum. In recent years there has been growing interest in discovering therapeutical strategy for specific forms of cerebellar ataxia. Together with pharmacological studies, there has been growing interest in non-invasive cerebellar stimulation techniques to improve ataxia and limb coordination. Both transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are non-invasive techniques to modulate cerebro and cerebellar cortex excitability using magnetic or electric fields. METHODS Here we aim to review the most relevant studies regarding the application of TMS and tDCS for the treatment of cerebellar ataxia. CONCLUSION As pharmacological strategies were shown to be effective in specific forms of cerebellar ataxia and are not devoid of collateral effects, non-invasive stimulation may represent a promising strategy to improve residual cerebellar circuits functioning and a complement tool to pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Ferrucci
- Aldo Ravelli" Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, University of Milan Medical School, Milan, Italy.,Ca' Granda IRCCS Foundation Hospital, Milan, Italy.,III Neurological Clinic San Paolo Hospital Milan, Italy
| | - Tommaso Bocci
- Ca' Granda IRCCS Foundation Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Cisanello Neurology Unit, Pisa University Medical School, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Cortese
- Ca' Granda IRCCS Foundation Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Fracastoro Hospital, San Bonifacio, Verona, Italy.,Department of Medico- Surgical Science and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Priori
- Aldo Ravelli" Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, University of Milan Medical School, Milan, Italy.,Ca' Granda IRCCS Foundation Hospital, Milan, Italy.,III Neurological Clinic San Paolo Hospital Milan, Italy
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Küper M, Mallick JS, Ernst T, Kraff O, Thürling M, Stefanescu MR, Göricke S, Nitsche MA, Timmann D. Cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation modulates the fMRI signal in the cerebellar nuclei in a simple motor task. Brain Stimul 2019; 12:1169-1176. [PMID: 30987860 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a seminal paper, Galea et al. (Modulation of cerebellar excitability by polarity-specific noninvasive direct current stimulation. 2009. J Neurosci 29, 9115-9122) showed that cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (ctDCS) alters cerebellar-M1 connectivity. This effect has been explained by ctDCS-related changes of excitability of the cerebellar cortex with consecutive modulation of its main output, the dentate-thalamo-cortical pathway. OBJECTIVES The aim of this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study was to provide evidence that cathodal ctDCS decreases the activity of the cerebellar cortex, resulting in increased activity of the cerebellar nuclei, whereas anodal ctDCS has the opposite effect. METHODS A total of 48 participants (female/male: 23/25, age: 23.8 ± 4.1yrs., mean ± standard deviation) performed a finger tapping task with the right hand in a 3T MRI scanner. Functional MR images were acquired prior, during and after tDCS of the right cerebellum. Participants were assigned randomly to anodal, cathodal or sham ctDCS. RESULTS No significant difference of cerebellar cortical activation was found after comparing the three modes of stimulation. On the level of the dentate nuclei, however, a significant increase of activation was detected during and after cathodal stimulation. Furthermore, dentate nuclei activation was suppressed on a trend level following anodal stimulation. CONCLUSIONS The present findings support the hypothesis that cathodal ctDCS leads to a disinhibition of the dentate nucleus, whereas anodal ctDCS may have the opposite effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Küper
- Department of Neurology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122, Essen, Germany.
| | - Jahan Saeed Mallick
- Department of Neurology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122, Essen, Germany
| | - Thomas Ernst
- Department of Neurology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122, Essen, Germany
| | - Oliver Kraff
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122, Essen, Germany; Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Kokereiallee 7, Building C84 UNESCO World Heritage, Zeche Zollverein, 45141, Essen, Germany
| | - Markus Thürling
- Department of Neurology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122, Essen, Germany
| | - Maria Roxana Stefanescu
- Department of Neurology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122, Essen, Germany
| | - Sophia Göricke
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122, Essen, Germany
| | - Michael A Nitsche
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Ardeystr.67, 44139, Dortmund, Germany; Department of Neurology, University Medical Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bürkle de la Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Dagmar Timmann
- Department of Neurology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122, Essen, Germany
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Bareš M, Apps R, Avanzino L, Breska A, D'Angelo E, Filip P, Gerwig M, Ivry RB, Lawrenson CL, Louis ED, Lusk NA, Manto M, Meck WH, Mitoma H, Petter EA. Consensus paper: Decoding the Contributions of the Cerebellum as a Time Machine. From Neurons to Clinical Applications. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2019; 18:266-286. [PMID: 30259343 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-018-0979-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Time perception is an essential element of conscious and subconscious experience, coordinating our perception and interaction with the surrounding environment. In recent years, major technological advances in the field of neuroscience have helped foster new insights into the processing of temporal information, including extending our knowledge of the role of the cerebellum as one of the key nodes in the brain for this function. This consensus paper provides a state-of-the-art picture from the experts in the field of the cerebellar research on a variety of crucial issues related to temporal processing, drawing on recent anatomical, neurophysiological, behavioral, and clinical research.The cerebellar granular layer appears especially well-suited for timing operations required to confer millisecond precision for cerebellar computations. This may be most evident in the manner the cerebellum controls the duration of the timing of agonist-antagonist EMG bursts associated with fast goal-directed voluntary movements. In concert with adaptive processes, interactions within the cerebellar cortex are sufficient to support sub-second timing. However, supra-second timing seems to require cortical and basal ganglia networks, perhaps operating in concert with cerebellum. Additionally, sensory information such as an unexpected stimulus can be forwarded to the cerebellum via the climbing fiber system, providing a temporally constrained mechanism to adjust ongoing behavior and modify future processing. Patients with cerebellar disorders exhibit impairments on a range of tasks that require precise timing, and recent evidence suggest that timing problems observed in other neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia may reflect disrupted interactions between the basal ganglia and cerebellum.The complex concepts emerging from this consensus paper should provide a foundation for further discussion, helping identify basic research questions required to understand how the brain represents and utilizes time, as well as delineating ways in which this knowledge can help improve the lives of those with neurological conditions that disrupt this most elemental sense. The panel of experts agrees that timing control in the brain is a complex concept in whom cerebellar circuitry is deeply involved. The concept of a timing machine has now expanded to clinical disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Bareš
- First Department of Neurology, St. Anne's University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA.
| | - Richard Apps
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Laura Avanzino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Human Physiology and Centro Polifunzionale di Scienze Motorie, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Centre for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Assaf Breska
- Department of Psychology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Egidio D'Angelo
- Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Brain Connectivity Center, Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Nazionale Casimiro Mondino (IRCCS), Pavia, Italy
| | - Pavel Filip
- First Department of Neurology, St. Anne's University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marcus Gerwig
- Department of Neurology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Richard B Ivry
- Department of Psychology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Charlotte L Lawrenson
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Elan D Louis
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nicholas A Lusk
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mario Manto
- Department of Neurology, CHU-Charleroi, Charleroi, Belgium -Service des Neurosciences, UMons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Warren H Meck
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hiroshi Mitoma
- Medical Education Promotion Center, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Elijah A Petter
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Pilloni G, Shaw M, Feinberg C, Clayton A, Palmeri M, Datta A, Charvet LE. Long term at-home treatment with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) improves symptoms of cerebellar ataxia: a case report. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2019; 16:41. [PMID: 30890162 PMCID: PMC6425598 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-019-0514-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progressive cerebellar ataxia is a neurodegenerative disorder without effective treatment options that seriously hinders quality of life. Previously, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been demonstrated to benefit cerebellar functions (including improved motor control, learning and emotional processing) in healthy individuals and patients with neurological disorders. While tDCS is an emerging therapy, multiple daily sessions are needed for optimal clinical benefit. This case study tests the symptomatic benefit of remotely supervised tDCS (RS-tDCS) for a patient with cerebellar ataxia. METHODS We report a case of a 71-year-old female patient with progressive cerebellar ataxia, who presented with unsteady gait and balance impairment, treated with tDCS. tDCS was administered using our RS-tDCS protocol and was completed daily in the patient's home (Monday - Friday) with the help of a trained study technician. tDCS was paired with 20 min of simultaneous cognitive training, followed by 20 min of physical exercises directed by a physical therapist. Stimulation consisted of 20 min of 2.5 mA direct current targeting the cerebellum via an anodal electrode and a cathodal electrode placed over the right shoulder. The patient completed baseline and treatment end visits with neurological, cognitive, and motor (Lafayette Grooved Pegboard Test, 25 ft walk test and Timed Up and Go Test) assessments. RESULTS The patient successfully completed sixty tDCS sessions, 59 of which were administered remotely at the patient's home with the use of real time supervision as enabled by video conferencing. Mild improvement was observed in the patient's gait with a 7% improvement in walking speed, which she completed without a walking-aid at treatment end, which was in stark contrast to her baseline assessment. Improvements were also achieved in manual dexterity, with an increase in pegboard scores bilaterally compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS Results from this case report suggest that consecutively administered tDCS treatments paired with cognitive and physical exercise hold promise for improving balance, gait, and manual dexterity in patients with progressive ataxia. Remotely supervised tDCS provides home access to enable the administration over an extended period. Further controlled study in a large group of those with cerebellar ataxia is needed to replicate these findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03049969 . Registered 10 February 2017- Retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Pilloni
- Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Health, 10th floor, 222 East 41st Street, New York, NY, 10017, USA.,Department of Mechanical Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michael Shaw
- Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Health, 10th floor, 222 East 41st Street, New York, NY, 10017, USA
| | - Charles Feinberg
- Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Health, 10th floor, 222 East 41st Street, New York, NY, 10017, USA
| | - Ashley Clayton
- Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Health, 10th floor, 222 East 41st Street, New York, NY, 10017, USA
| | - Maria Palmeri
- Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Health, 10th floor, 222 East 41st Street, New York, NY, 10017, USA
| | | | - Leigh E Charvet
- Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Health, 10th floor, 222 East 41st Street, New York, NY, 10017, USA.
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van Dun K, Mitoma H, Manto M. Cerebellar Cortex as a Therapeutic Target for Neurostimulation. THE CEREBELLUM 2018; 17:777-787. [PMID: 30276522 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-018-0976-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Non-invasive stimulation of the cerebellum is growingly applied both in the clinic and in research settings to modulate the activities of cerebello-cerebral loops. The anatomical location of the cerebellum, the high responsiveness of the cerebellar cortex to magnetic/electrical stimuli, and the implication of the cerebellum in numerous cerebello-cerebral networks make the cerebellum an ideal target for investigations and therapeutic purposes. In this mini-review, we discuss the potentials of cerebellar neuromodulation in major brain disorders in order to encourage large-scale sham-controlled research and explore this therapeutic aid further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim van Dun
- Clinical and Experimental Neurolinguistics, CLIN, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Hiroshi Mitoma
- Medical Education Promotion Center, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mario Manto
- Service de Neurologie, Médiathèque Jean Jacquy, CHU-Charleroi, Charleroi, Belgium.,Service des Neurosciences, UMons, Mons, Belgium
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Alexoudi A, Patrikelis P, Fasilis T, Deftereos S, Sakas D, Gatzonis S. Effects of anodal tDCS on motor and cognitive function in a patient with multiple system atrophy. Disabil Rehabil 2018; 42:887-891. [DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2018.1510043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Athanasia Alexoudi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panayiotis Patrikelis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros Fasilis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Damianos Sakas
- Department of Neurosurgery, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stylianos Gatzonis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Benussi A, Dell'Era V, Cantoni V, Bonetta E, Grasso R, Manenti R, Cotelli M, Padovani A, Borroni B. Cerebello-spinal tDCS in ataxia: A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, crossover trial. Neurology 2018; 91:e1090-e1101. [PMID: 30135258 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000006210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether a 2-week treatment with cerebellar anodal and spinal cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) could reduce symptoms in patients with neurodegenerative ataxia and could modulate cerebello-motor connectivity at the short and long terms. METHODS We performed a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled, crossover trial with cerebello-spinal tDCS (5 d/wk for 2 weeks) in 20 patients with neurodegenerative ataxia. Each patient underwent a clinical evaluation before and after real tDCS or sham stimulation. A follow-up evaluation was performed at 1 and 3 months with a crossover washout period of 3 months. Cerebello-motor connectivity was evaluated with transcranial magnetic stimulation at baseline and at each follow-up. RESULTS Cerebello-spinal tDCS showed a significant improvement in all performance scores (Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia, International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale, 9-Hole Peg Test, 8-m walking time), in motor cortex excitability, and in cerebellar brain inhibition compared to sham stimulation. CONCLUSIONS A 2-week treatment with cerebello-spinal tDCS reduces symptoms in patients with ataxia and restores motor cortex inhibition exerted by cerebellar structures. Cerebello-spinal tDCS might represent a promising future therapeutic and rehabilitative approach in patients with neurodegenerative ataxia, still an orphan disorder of any pharmacologic intervention. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT03120013. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This study provides Class II evidence that cerebello-spinal stimulation is effective and safe in cerebellar ataxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Benussi
- From the Neurology Unit (A.B., V.D., V.C., E.B., R.G., A.P., B.B.), Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia; Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (V.C.), University of Florence; and Neuropsychology Unit (R.M., M.C.), IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Dell'Era
- From the Neurology Unit (A.B., V.D., V.C., E.B., R.G., A.P., B.B.), Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia; Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (V.C.), University of Florence; and Neuropsychology Unit (R.M., M.C.), IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Cantoni
- From the Neurology Unit (A.B., V.D., V.C., E.B., R.G., A.P., B.B.), Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia; Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (V.C.), University of Florence; and Neuropsychology Unit (R.M., M.C.), IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisa Bonetta
- From the Neurology Unit (A.B., V.D., V.C., E.B., R.G., A.P., B.B.), Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia; Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (V.C.), University of Florence; and Neuropsychology Unit (R.M., M.C.), IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberto Grasso
- From the Neurology Unit (A.B., V.D., V.C., E.B., R.G., A.P., B.B.), Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia; Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (V.C.), University of Florence; and Neuropsychology Unit (R.M., M.C.), IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Rosa Manenti
- From the Neurology Unit (A.B., V.D., V.C., E.B., R.G., A.P., B.B.), Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia; Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (V.C.), University of Florence; and Neuropsychology Unit (R.M., M.C.), IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Cotelli
- From the Neurology Unit (A.B., V.D., V.C., E.B., R.G., A.P., B.B.), Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia; Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (V.C.), University of Florence; and Neuropsychology Unit (R.M., M.C.), IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Padovani
- From the Neurology Unit (A.B., V.D., V.C., E.B., R.G., A.P., B.B.), Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia; Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (V.C.), University of Florence; and Neuropsychology Unit (R.M., M.C.), IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Barbara Borroni
- From the Neurology Unit (A.B., V.D., V.C., E.B., R.G., A.P., B.B.), Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia; Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (V.C.), University of Florence; and Neuropsychology Unit (R.M., M.C.), IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy.
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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Assist Experienced Pistol Shooters in Gaining Even-Better Performance Scores. THE CEREBELLUM 2018; 18:119-127. [DOI: 10.1007/s12311-018-0967-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
Transcranial magnetic and electric stimulation of the brain are novel and highly promising techniques currently employed in both research and clinical practice. Improving or rehabilitating brain functions by modulating excitability with these noninvasive tools is an exciting new area in neuroscience. Since the cerebellum is closely connected with the cerebral regions subserving motor, associative, and affective functions, the cerebello-thalamo-cortical pathways are an interesting target for these new techniques. Targeting the cerebellum represents a novel way to modulate the excitability of remote cortical regions and their functions. This review brings together the studies that have applied cerebellar stimulation, magnetic and electric, and presents an overview of the current knowledge and unsolved issues. Some recommendations for future research are implemented as well.
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Non-invasive Cerebellar Stimulation: a Promising Approach for Stroke Recovery? THE CEREBELLUM 2017; 17:359-371. [DOI: 10.1007/s12311-017-0906-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Hulst T, John L, Küper M, van der Geest JN, Göricke SL, Donchin O, Timmann D. Cerebellar patients do not benefit from cerebellar or M1 transcranial direct current stimulation during force-field reaching adaptation. J Neurophysiol 2017; 118:732-748. [PMID: 28469001 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00808.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have identified transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a potential tool in the rehabilitation of cerebellar disease. Here, we tested whether tDCS could alleviate motor impairments of subjects with cerebellar degeneration. Three groups took part in this study: 20 individuals with cerebellar degeneration, 20 age-matched controls, and 30 young controls. A standard reaching task with force-field perturbations was used to compare motor adaptation among groups and to measure the effect of stimulation of the cerebellum or primary motor cortex (M1). Cerebellar subjects and age-matched controls were tested during each stimulation type (cerebellum, M1, and sham) with a break of 1 wk among each of the three sessions. Young controls were tested during one session under one of three stimulation types (anodal cerebellum, cathodal cerebellum, or sham). As expected, individuals with cerebellar degeneration had a reduced ability to adapt to motor perturbations. Importantly, cerebellar patients did not benefit from anodal stimulation of the cerebellum or M1. Furthermore, no stimulation effects could be detected in aging and young controls. The present null results cannot exclude more subtle tDCS effects in larger subject populations and between-subject designs. Moreover, it is still possible that tDCS affects motor adaptation in cerebellar subjects and control subjects under a different task or with alternative stimulation parameters. However, for tDCS to become a valuable tool in the neurorehabilitation of cerebellar disease, stimulation effects should be present in group sizes commonly used in this rare patient population and be more consistent and predictable across subjects and tasks.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been identified as a potential tool in the rehabilitation of cerebellar disease. We investigated whether tDCS of the cerebellum and primary motor cortex could alleviate motor impairments of subjects with cerebellar degeneration. The present study did not find stimulation effects of tDCS in young controls, aging controls, and individuals with cerebellar degeneration during reach adaptation. Our results require a re-evaluation of the clinical potential of tDCS in cerebellar patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Hulst
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; .,Erasmus University College, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Liane John
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Küper
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jos N van der Geest
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sophia L Göricke
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; and
| | - Opher Donchin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Dagmar Timmann
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Doeltgen SH, Young J, Bradnam LV. Anodal Direct Current Stimulation of the Cerebellum Reduces Cerebellar Brain Inhibition but Does Not Influence Afferent Input from the Hand or Face in Healthy Adults. THE CEREBELLUM 2017; 15:466-74. [PMID: 26283524 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-015-0713-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cerebellum controls descending motor commands by outputs to primary motor cortex (M1) and the brainstem in response to sensory feedback. The cerebellum may also modulate afferent input en route to M1 and the brainstem. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to determine if anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the cerebellum influences cerebellar brain inhibition (CBI), short afferent inhibition (SAI) and trigeminal reflexes (TRs) in healthy adults. METHODS Data from two studies evaluating effects of cerebellar anodal and sham tDCS are presented. The first study used a twin coil transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocol to investigate CBI and combined TMS and cutaneous stimulation of the digit to assess SAI. The second study evaluated effects on trigemino-cervical and trigemino-masseter reflexes using peripheral nerve stimulation of the face. RESULTS Fourteen right-handed healthy adults participated in experiment 1. CBI was observed at baseline and was reduced by anodal cerebellar DCS only (P < 0.01). There was SAI at interstimulus intervals of 25 and 30 ms at baseline (both P < 0.0001), but cerebellar tDCS had no effect. Thirteen right-handed healthy adults participated in experiment 2. Inhibitory reflexes were evoked in the ipsilateral masseter and sternocleidomastoid muscles. There was no effect of cerebellar DCS on either reflex. CONCLUSIONS Anodal DCS reduced CBI but did not change SAI or TRs in healthy adults. These results require confirmation in individuals with neurological impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian H Doeltgen
- Swallowing Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, School of Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jessica Young
- Swallowing Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, School of Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lynley V Bradnam
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
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Bodranghien F, Oulad Ben Taib N, Van Maldergem L, Manto M. A Postural Tremor Highly Responsive to Transcranial Cerebello-Cerebral DCS in ARCA3. Front Neurol 2017; 8:71. [PMID: 28316589 PMCID: PMC5334604 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Cerebellar ataxias are disabling disorders that impact the quality of life of patients. In many cases, an effective treatment is missing. Despite the increasing knowledge on the pathogenesis of cerebellar disorders including genetic aspects, there is currently a gap in the therapeutical management of cerebellar deficits. Cerebellar ataxia associated with ANO10 mutation (ARCA3) presents a disabling cerebellar syndrome. The aim of this study is to report a patient with a marked postural tremor responding to transcranial cerebello-cerebral direct current stimulation (tCCDCS). Methods We applied tCCDCS using anodal stimulation over the cerebellum with a return electrode on the contralateral motor cortex. We performed a clinical rating, accelerometry studies, and recordings of voluntary movements at baseline, after sham, and after active tCCDCS. Results A dramatic response of postural tremor was observed after tCCDCS, with a major drop of the power spectral density to 26.12% of basal values. Discussion The postural tremor of cerebellar ataxia associated with ANO10 mutation was highly responsive to tCCDCS in our patient. This case illustrates that tCCDCS is a novel therapeutic option in the treatment of cerebellar deficits and might represent a promising tool to reduce tremor in ARCA3.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nordeyn Oulad Ben Taib
- Service de Neurochirurgie, ULB-Erasme, Bruxelles, Belgium; Service de Neurochirurgie, CHU-StPierre, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Lionel Van Maldergem
- Centre de génétique humaine, Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France; Metabolic Unit, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Mario Manto
- Unité d'Etude du Mouvement-GRIM, FNRS, ULB-Erasme, Bruxelles, Belgium; Service des Neurosciences, UMons, Mons, Belgium
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Benussi A, Dell'Era V, Cotelli MS, Turla M, Casali C, Padovani A, Borroni B. Long term clinical and neurophysiological effects of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation in patients with neurodegenerative ataxia. Brain Stimul 2016; 10:242-250. [PMID: 27838276 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodegenerative cerebellar ataxias represent a group of disabling disorders for which we currently lack effective therapies. Cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive technique, which has been demonstrated to modulate cerebellar excitability and improve symptoms in patients with cerebellar ataxias. OBJECTIVE The present study investigated whether a two-weeks' treatment with cerebellar anodal tDCS could improve symptoms in patients with neurodegenerative cerebellar ataxia and could modulate cerebello-motor connectivity, at short and long term. METHODS We performed a double-blind, randomized, sham controlled trial with cerebellar tDCS (5 days/week for 2 weeks) in twenty patients with ataxia. Each patient underwent a clinical evaluation pre- and post-anodal tDCS or sham stimulation. A follow-up evaluation was performed at one and three months. Cerebello-motor connectivity was evaluated using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at baseline and at follow-up. RESULTS Patients who underwent anodal tDCS showed a significant improvement in all performance scores (scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia, international cooperative ataxia rating scale, 9-hole peg test, 8-m walking time) and in cerebellar brain inhibition compared to patients who underwent sham stimulation. CONCLUSIONS A two-weeks' treatment with anodal cerebellar tDCS improves symptoms in patients with ataxia and restores physiological cerebellar brain inhibition pathways. Cerebellar tDCS might represent a promising future therapeutic and rehabilitative approach in patients with neurodegenerative ataxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Benussi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Dell'Era
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Marinella Turla
- Neurology Unit, Valle Camonica Hospital, Esine, Brescia, Italy
| | - Carlo Casali
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Padovani
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Barbara Borroni
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
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Evidence-based guidelines on the therapeutic use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Clin Neurophysiol 2016; 128:56-92. [PMID: 27866120 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2016.10.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 984] [Impact Index Per Article: 123.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A group of European experts was commissioned by the European Chapter of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology to gather knowledge about the state of the art of the therapeutic use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) from studies published up until September 2016, regarding pain, Parkinson's disease, other movement disorders, motor stroke, poststroke aphasia, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, consciousness disorders, Alzheimer's disease, tinnitus, depression, schizophrenia, and craving/addiction. The evidence-based analysis included only studies based on repeated tDCS sessions with sham tDCS control procedure; 25 patients or more having received active treatment was required for Class I, while a lower number of 10-24 patients was accepted for Class II studies. Current evidence does not allow making any recommendation of Level A (definite efficacy) for any indication. Level B recommendation (probable efficacy) is proposed for: (i) anodal tDCS of the left primary motor cortex (M1) (with right orbitofrontal cathode) in fibromyalgia; (ii) anodal tDCS of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) (with right orbitofrontal cathode) in major depressive episode without drug resistance; (iii) anodal tDCS of the right DLPFC (with left DLPFC cathode) in addiction/craving. Level C recommendation (possible efficacy) is proposed for anodal tDCS of the left M1 (or contralateral to pain side, with right orbitofrontal cathode) in chronic lower limb neuropathic pain secondary to spinal cord lesion. Conversely, Level B recommendation (probable inefficacy) is conferred on the absence of clinical effects of: (i) anodal tDCS of the left temporal cortex (with right orbitofrontal cathode) in tinnitus; (ii) anodal tDCS of the left DLPFC (with right orbitofrontal cathode) in drug-resistant major depressive episode. It remains to be clarified whether the probable or possible therapeutic effects of tDCS are clinically meaningful and how to optimally perform tDCS in a therapeutic setting. In addition, the easy management and low cost of tDCS devices allow at home use by the patient, but this might raise ethical and legal concerns with regard to potential misuse or overuse. We must be careful to avoid inappropriate applications of this technique by ensuring rigorous training of the professionals and education of the patients.
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Ferrucci R, Bocci T, Cortese F, Ruggiero F, Priori A. Cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation in neurological disease. CEREBELLUM & ATAXIAS 2016; 3:16. [PMID: 27595007 PMCID: PMC5010772 DOI: 10.1186/s40673-016-0054-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have highlighted the therapeutic potential of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in patients with neurological diseases, including dementia, epilepsy, post-stroke dysfunctions, movement disorders, and other pathological conditions. Because of this technique’s ability to modify cerebellar excitability without significant side effects, cerebellar tDCS is a new, interesting, and powerful tool to induce plastic modifications in the cerebellum. In this report, we review a number of interesting studies on the application of cerebellar tDCS for various neurological conditions (ataxia, Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, essential tremor) and the possible mechanism by which the stimulation acts on the cerebellum. Study findings indicate that cerebellar tDCS is a promising therapeutic tool in treating several neurological disorders; however, this method’s efficacy appears to be limited, given the current data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Ferrucci
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy ; Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Tommaso Bocci
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Cortese
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Fabiana Ruggiero
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Priori
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy ; Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy ; III Clinica Neurologica, Polo Ospedaliero San Paolo, via Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
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Mitoma H, Manto M. The physiological basis of therapies for cerebellar ataxias. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2016; 9:396-413. [PMID: 27582895 DOI: 10.1177/1756285616648940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar ataxias represent a group of heterogeneous disorders impacting on activities of daily living and quality of life. Various therapies have been proposed to improve symptoms in cerebellar ataxias. This review examines the physiological background of the various treatments currently administered worldwide. We analyze the mechanisms of action of drugs with a focus on aminopyridines and other antiataxic medications, of noninvasive cerebellar stimulation, and of motor rehabilitation. Considering the cerebellum as a controller, we propose the novel concept of 'restorable stage'. Because of its unique anatomical architecture and its diffuse connectivity in particular with the cerebral cortex, keeping in mind the anatomophysiology of the cerebellar circuitry is a necessary step to understand the rationale of therapies of cerebellar ataxias and develop novel therapeutic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Mitoma
- Department of Medical Education, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1 Nishi-shinjyuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Mario Manto
- Unité d'Etude du Mouvement (UEM), FNRS, Neurologie ULB-Erasme, Brussels, Belgium Université de Mons, Mons, Belgium
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van Dun K, Bodranghien FCAA, Mariën P, Manto MU. tDCS of the Cerebellum: Where Do We Stand in 2016? Technical Issues and Critical Review of the Literature. Front Hum Neurosci 2016; 10:199. [PMID: 27242469 PMCID: PMC4862979 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is an up-and-coming electrical neurostimulation technique increasingly used both in healthy subjects and in selected groups of patients. Due to the high density of neurons in the cerebellum, its peculiar anatomical organization with the cortex lying superficially below the skull and its diffuse connections with motor and associative areas of the cerebrum, the cerebellum is becoming a major target for neuromodulation of the cerebellocerebral networks. We discuss the recent studies based on cerebellar tDCS with a focus on the numerous technical and open issues which remain to be solved. Our current knowledge of the physiological impacts of tDCS on cerebellar circuitry is criticized. We provide a comparison with transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS), another promising transcranial electrical neurostimulation technique. Although both tDCS and tACS are becoming established techniques to modulate the cerebellocerebral networks, it is surprising that their impacts on cerebellar disorders remains unclear. A major reason is that the literature lacks large trials with a double-blind, sham-controlled, and cross-over experimental design in cerebellar patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim van Dun
- Clinical and Experimental Neurolinguistics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel Brussels, Belgium
| | - Florian C A A Bodranghien
- Unité d'Etude du Mouvement, Laboratoire de Neurologie Expérimentale, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Mariën
- Clinical and Experimental Neurolinguistics, Vrije Universiteit BrusselBrussels, Belgium; Department of Neurology and Memory Clinic, ZNA Middelheim General HospitalAntwerp, Belgium
| | - Mario U Manto
- Unité d'Etude du Mouvement, Laboratoire de Neurologie Expérimentale, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)Brussels, Belgium; Service des Neurosciences, Université de MonsMons, Belgium
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