Citation

Chung M, Lo W. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2014; 96(4 Suppl): S129-37.

Affiliation

Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH. Electronic address: Warren.lo@nationwidechildrens.org.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.apmr.2014.10.013

PMID

25448248

Abstract

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) offers the potential to modulate neural activity and recovery after acquired brain injury. There are few studies of NIBS in children, but a survey of those studies might provide insights into the potential for NIBS to modulate motor rehabilitation, seizure, and behavior in children. We surveyed the published literature prior to July 2014 for articles pertaining to children and NIBS with a focus on case series or trials. We also reviewed selected articles involving adults to illustrate specific points where the literature in children is lacking. A limited number of articles suggest that NIBS can transiently improve motor function. The evidence for an effect on seizures is mixed. Two open-label studies reported improvement of mood in adolescents with depression. NIBS may serve as a tool for pediatric neuro-rehabilitation, but many gaps in our knowledge must be filled before NIBS can be adopted as a clinical intervention. To move forward, the field needs adequately powered trials that can answer these questions. Such trials will be challenging to perform, will likely require multi-center collaboration, and may need to adopt novel trial designs that have been used with rare disorders.

Language: en