Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience - Volume 29, issue 6

Authors: Sabel, Bernhard A. | Fedorov, Anton B. | Naue, Nicole | Borrmann, Antonia | Herrmann, Christoph | Gall, Carolin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Purpose: Partial blindness after visual system damage is considered irreversible, yet the brain has residual visual capacities and considerable plasticity potential. We now applied non-invasive alternating current stimulation (ACS) to the visual system of patients with optic nerve damage with the aim to induce recovery of visual functions. Methods: In a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial patients with several year old partial optic nerve lesions were treated with ACS (n = 12) or placebo-stimulation (n = 10). ACS was delivered transorbitally for 40 minutes on 10 days. Visual outcome measures and EEG were measured before and after treatment. Results: …ACS, but not placebo, led to significant improvement of a visual field detection deficit by 69%, and also significantly improved temporal processing of visual stimuli, detection performance in static perimetry, and visual acuity. These changes were associated with alpha-band changes in the EEG power spectra. Visual improvements were stable for at least 2-months. Conclusions: ACS can induce vision restoration many years after optic neuropathy. Though the mechanism is still unclear, EEG changes indicate increased synchronization in posterior brain regions. The present study provides Class Ib evidence that non-invasive transorbital ACS is well tolerated and improves visual function in optic neuropathy. Show more

Keywords: Clinical trial, neuromodulation, optic nerve, vision restoration, plasticity

DOI: 10.3233/RNN-2011-0624

Citation: Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, vol. 29, no. 6, pp. 493-505, 2011

Authors: Rogers, L.M. | Madhavan, S. | Roth, H. | Stinear, J.W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Purpose: This narrative review discusses the neurophysiology of human motor cortex as it influences gait, and recent advances in the application of non-invasive brain stimulation to the lower limb motor cortex of stroke survivors. Although walking is a high priority following stroke, the efficacy of promising new therapies has yet to warrant their widespread clinical use. For the upper limb, numerous brain stimulation protocols have been described. These protocols, adapted for the leg, are now being used to examine the cortical control of gait. This research discounts the long-held notion that “we walk from our spinal cords”. Methods: Our review …describes this research as it relates to the lower limb, especially the use of non-invasive brain stimulation to enhance neuroplasticity. The review also discusses the possible development of a prognostic algorithm for walking recovery after stroke. Conclusion: This review concludes with the expectation that novel brain stimulation protocols combined with therapy will eventually demonstrate a level of effectiveness sufficient to promote their wide acceptance in neurorehabilitation settings. Show more

Keywords: Non-invasive brain stimulation, stroke, gait

DOI: 10.3233/RNN-2011-0625

Citation: Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, vol. 29, no. 6, pp. 507-516, 2011

Article Type: Other

Citation: Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, vol. 29, no. 6, pp. 517-520, 2011