Transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of phantom limb pain: a systematic review / Estimulação magnética transcraniana no tratamento da dor do membro fantasma: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Background Phantom limb pain (PLP) occurs after amputations and can persist in a chronic and debilitating way. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation method capable of influencing brain function and modulating cortical excitability. Its effectiveness in treating chronic pain is promising. Objective To evaluate the evidence on the efficacy and safety of using rTMS in the treatment of PLP, observing the stimulation parameters used, side effects, and benefits of the therapy. Methods This is a systematic review of scientific articles published in national and international literature using electronic platforms. Results Two hundred and fifty two articles were identified. Two hundred and forty six publications were removed because they were duplicated or met the exclusion criteria. After selection, six studies were reviewed, those being two randomized clinical trials and four case reports. All evaluated studies indicated some degree of benefit of rTMS to relieve painful symptoms, even temporarily. Pain perception was lower at the end of treatment when compared to the period prior to the sessions and remained during patient follow-up. There was no standardization of the stimulation parameters used. There were no reports of serious adverse events. The effects of long-term therapy have not been evaluated. Conclusion There are some benefits, even if temporary, in the use of rTMS to relieve painful symptoms in PLP. High-frequency stimulation at M1 demonstrated a significant analgesic effect. Given the potential that has been demonstrated, but limited by the paucity of high-quality studies, further controlled studies are needed to establish and standardize the clinical use of the method.

Resumo Antecedentes A dor do membro fantasma (DMF) ocorre após amputações e pode persistir de forma crônica e debilitante. A estimulação magnética transcraniana repetitiva (EMTr) é um método de neuromodulação não invasivo capaz de influenciar a função cerebral e modular a excitabilidade cortical. Sua eficácia no tratamento da dor crônica é promissora. Objetivo Avaliar as evidências sobre a eficácia e segurança do uso da EMTr no tratamento da DMF, observando os parâmetros de estimulação utilizados, efeitos colaterais e benefícios da terapia. Métodos Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática de artigos científicos publicados na literatura nacional e internacional utilizando plataformas eletrônicas. Resultados Foram identificados 252 artigos. Duzentas e quarenta e seis publicações foram removidas por estarem duplicadas ou atenderem aos critérios de exclusão. Após a seleção, foram revisados seis estudos, sendo dois ensaios clínicos randomizados e quatro relatos de caso. Todos os estudos avaliados indicaram algum grau de benefício da EMTr no alívio dos sintomas dolorosos, mesmo que temporariamente. A percepção da dor foi menor ao final do tratamento quando comparada ao período anterior às sessões e permaneceu durante o acompanhamento do paciente. Não houve padronização dos parâmetros de estimulação utilizados. Não houve relatos de eventos adversos graves. Os efeitos da terapia a longo prazo não foram avaliados. Conclusão Existem alguns benefícios, mesmo que temporários, no uso da EMTr para alívio dos sintomas dolorosos na DMF. A estimulação de alta frequência em M1 demonstrou um efeito analgésico significativo. Dado o potencial demonstrado, mas limitado pela escassez de estudos de alta qualidade, são necessários mais estudos controlados para estabelecer e padronizar o uso clínico do método.

An electric field modeling study with meta-analysis to understand the antidepressant effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)

Objective: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has mixed effects for major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms, partially owing to large inter-experimental variability in tDCS protocols and their correlated induced electric fields (E-fields). We investigated whether the E-field strength of distinct tDCS parameters was associated with antidepressant effect. Methods: A meta-analysis was performed with placebo-controlled clinical trials of tDCS enrolling MDD patients. PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched from inception to March 10, 2023. Effect sizes of tDCS protocols were correlated with E-field simulations (SimNIBS) of brain regions of interest (bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex [DLPFC] and bilateral subgenual anterior cingulate cortex [sgACC]). Moderators of tDCS responses were also investigated. Results: A total of 20 studies were included (21 datasets, 1,008 patients), using 11 distinct tDCS protocols. Results revealed a moderate effect for MDD (g = 0.41, 95%CI 0.18-0.64), while cathode position and treatment strategy were found to be moderators of response. A negative association between effect size and tDCS-induced E-field magnitude was seen, with stronger E-fields in the right frontal and medial parts of the DLPFC (targeted by the cathode) leading to smaller effects. No association was found for the left DLPFC and the bilateral sgACC. An optimized tDCS protocol is proposed. Conclusions: Our results highlight the need for a standardized tDCS protocol in MDD clinical trials. Registration number: PROSPERO CRD42022296246.

Parameters and results of non-invasive neuromodulation in the management of chronic pelvic pain: integrative literature review / Parâmetros e resultados da neuromodulação não invasiva no manejo da dor pélvica crônica: revisão integrativa da literatura

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP) is characterized by persistent pain in the pelvic region for more than six months, affecting both men and women and causing significant impairment in quality of life (QoL). Two of the main non-invasive approaches are Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). These techniques aim to modulate neural activity and promote pain relief. In this context, this research conducted an integrative literature review to summarize the results of relevant studies, aiming to identify the key parameters used in TMS and tDCS for CPP treatment. The objective was to assess the effect and efficacy of non-invasive neuromodulation as a therapeutic intervention for CPP. CONTENTS: For this integrative review, electronic searches were conducted in Pubmed, Scielo, PEDro, Medline, Cochrane, and Scopus databases, examining studies in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. The keywords "pelvic pain," "transcranial direct current stimulation," and "transcranial magnetic stimulation" and their derivatives were searched in the three languages in studies from 2013 to 2023. Seven studies were included for analysis. Both techniques showed positive effects in managing CPP, improving pain levels and quality of life to a relevant extent. However, there is still no consensus on the parameters applied in TMS and tDCS techniques for CPP. CONCLUSION: Non-invasive neuromodulation improves pain levels and quality of life in patients with CPP. Further studies are needed to establish more reliable parameter relationships, and the limited number of studies restricts definitive conclusions on the subject.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor pélvica crônica (DPC) é caracterizada pela persistência da dor na região pélvica por mais de seis meses, afetando tanto homens quanto mulheres e causando prejuízos significativos na qualidade de vida (QV). Duas das principais abordagens não invasivas são Estimulação Magnética Transcraniana (EMT) e a Estimulação Transcraniana por Corrente Contínua (ETCC). Nesse contexto, esta pesquisa realizou uma revisão integrativa da literatura com o intuito de resumir os resultados de estudos relevantes, buscando identificar os principais parâmetros utilizados no tratamento da DPC. O objetivo foi fornecer uma visão abrangente sobre essas técnicas de neuromodulação e suas aplicações específicas no controle da dor pélvica crônica. CONTEÚDO: Para esta revisão integrativa, as buscas eletrônicas ocorreram nas bases de dados Pubmed, Scielo, PEDro, Medline, Cochrane e Scopus, verificando estudos em português, inglês ou espanhol. "Dor pélvica", "estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua" e "estimulação magnética transcraniana" e suas derivações foram pesquisadas nos três idiomas em estudos entre 2013 e 2023. Sete estudos foram incluídos para análise. Ambas as técnicas apresentaram efeitos positivos no manejo da DPC, melhorando os níveis de dor e a QV em proporções relevantes. Entretanto, ainda não há um consenso sobre os parâmetros aplicados nas técnicas de EMT e ETCC para DPC. CONCLUSÃO: A neuromodulação não invasiva melhora os níveis de dor e a QV em pacientes com DPC. São necessários mais estudos para que relações mais confiáveis de parâmetros possam ser preestabelecidas e a ausência de um maior número de estudos limita conclusões acerca do assunto.

Historia y principios básicos de la estimulación magnética transcraneal

La estimulación magnética transcraneal (EMT) es una técnica no invasiva que consiste en la utilización de campos magnéticos para estimular a las neuronas de la corteza cerebral. Si bien la electricidad se ha pretendido emplear previamente en el campo de la medicina, la historia de la EMT se remonta al descubrimiento de la inducción electromagnética, por Faraday, en el siglo XIX. Sin embargo, no fue hasta la década de 1980 cuando Anthony Barker, en la Universidad de Sheffield, desarrolló el primer dispositivo de EMT. La EMT funciona mediante una bobina colocada en el cuero cabelludo, la cual produce un campo magnético que puede atravesar el cráneo y estimular las neuronas corticales. La intensidad y la frecuencia del campo magnético pueden ajustarse para dirigirse a zonas específicas del cerebro y producir efectos excitatorios e inhibitorios. Los principios de la EMT se basan en el concepto de neuroplasticidad, que se refiere a la capacidad del cerebro para cambiar y adaptarse en respuesta a nuevas experiencias y estímulos. Al estimular las neuronas del cerebro con la EMT, es posible inducir cambios en la actividad neuronal y la conectividad, lo que a su vez puede provocar cambios cognitivos y en el estado de ánimo.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive technique that uses magnetic fields to stimulate neurons in the cerebral cortex. While electricity has previously been intended to be used in the medical field, the history of TMS dates back to the discovery of electromagnetic induction by Faraday in the 19th century. However, it was not until the 1980s when Anthony Barker developed the first TMS device at the University of Sheffield. TMS works by means of a coil placed against the scalp, thereby producing a magnetic field. This magnetic field can pass through the skull and stimulate cortical neurons. The intensity and frequency of the magnetic field can be adjusted to target specific areas of the brain and produce excitatory and inhibitory effects. The principles of TMS are based on the concept of neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences and stimuli. By stimulating neurons in the brain with TMS, it is possible to cause changes in neuronal activity and connectivity, which in turn can lead to cognitive and mood changes.

Endarterectomía carotídea en paciente con estenosis aórtica crítica. Importancia de la anestesia regional y del neuromonitoreo / Carotid endarterectomy in a patient with critical aortic stenosis. Importance of regional anesthesia and transoperative neurological monitoring

Resumen: La estenosis carotídea (EC) ocurre en 13% de los pacientes con estenosis valvular aórtica (EVA). El riesgo de evento vascular cerebral (EVC), en los pacientes con EC significativa sometidos a cirugía valvular cardíaca, puede aumentar hasta 11%. Someter a un paciente con EVA crítica y fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo (FEVI) disminuida a endarterectomía carotídea es todo un reto anestésico, cuyo principal objetivo es evitar la hipotensión y el bajo gasto cardíaco. La anestesia regional es una opción para estos pacientes. Presentamos el caso de un hombre de 70 años con diagnóstico de EC significativa y EVA crítica con disfunción ventricular izquierda, al que se realizó endarterectomía carotídea con bloqueo del plexo cervical superficial por alto riesgo de colapso circulatorio. Dicha estrategia anestésica permitió mantener al paciente despierto durante la cirugía, al valorar continuamente su estado neurológico. Asimismo, se documentaron los cambios transoperatorios en el NIRS (Near-infrared spectroscopy) cerebral y Doppler transcraneal (DTC), los cuales se correlacionaron con el estado clínico del paciente. En un segundo tiempo se hizo cambio valvular aórtico sin complicaciones. En este caso destaca la importancia de la anestesia regional y el monitoreo neurológico con Doppler transcraneal, en pacientes sometidos a endarterectomía carotídea con alto riesgo quirúrgico por EVA crítica.

Abstract: Carotid stenosis occurs in 13% of patients with aortic valve stenosis. The risk of stroke in patients with significant carotid stenosis undergoing heart valve surgery may increase to 11%. Proposing a patient with critical aortic valve stenosis and left ventricular dysfunction to carotid endarterectomy is an anesthetic challenge, where the objective is to avoid hypotension and low cardiac output. Regional anesthesia is an option for these patients. Due to the high incidence of intraoperative stroke during carotid endarterectomy, continuous neurological monitoring is of relevance. We present the case of a 70-year-old man diagnosed with significant carotid stenosis and critical aortic valve stenosis and left ventricular dysfunction who underwent carotid endarterectomy with superficial cervical plexus block due to a high risk of circulatory collapse. In addition, this anesthetic strategy made it possible to keep the patient awake during surgery, and to continuously assess their neurological status. Likewise, transoperative changes in brain NIRS and transcranial Doppler were documented, which correlated with the patient's clinical status. In a second time, aortic valve replacement was performed without complications. This case highlights the importance of regional anesthesia and neurological monitoring in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy with high surgical risk due to critical aortic valve stenosis.

Estimulação Transcraniana para Transtornos do Sono: uma revisão sistemática / Transcranial Stimulation in Sleep Disorders: a systematic review / Estimulación Transcraneal para los Trastornos del Sueño: una revisión sistemática

Os transtornos do sono podem ter várias consequências para a cognição, comportamento e vida social das pessoas. No entanto, a terapia utilizada para avaliar e intervir nesses transtornos ainda não está consolidada. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a aplicabilidade e eficácia da estimulação transcraniana (ETCA / ETCC / EMTr) nos transtornos do sono. Foi realizada uma busca sistemática de acordo com as diretrizes do PRISMA nas bases de dados Web of Science, PubMed, LILACS e SciELO. Inicialmente, foram encontrados 448 artigos, de acordo com os critérios de elegibilidade. O banco de dados de evidências de fisioterapia (PEDro) foi utilizado para avaliar a qualidade metodológica dos 11 artigos finais. Em geral, os resultados indicam que há tanto relatos favoráveis quanto desfavoráveis à eficácia do uso terapêutico das técnicas de estimulação transcraniana nos transtornos do sono e, portanto, ainda se configura como uma questão em aberto, dependendo de múltiplos fatores metodológicos e conceituais.

Sleep disorders can have several consequences on people's cognition, behavior and social life. However, the therapy used to assess and intervene in these disorders is not yet consolidated. In this context, the aim of this study was to verify the applicability and effectiveness of transcranial stimulation (tACS / tDCS / rTMS) in sleep disorders. A systematic search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines in the Web of Science, PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO databases. Initially, 448 articles were found, according to the eligibility criteria. The physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) was used to assess the methodological quality of the 11 final articles. In general, the results indicate that there are both favorable and unfavorable reports on the effectiveness of the therapeutic use of transcranial stimulation techniques in sleep disorders and, therefore, it is still an open question, depending on multiple methodological and conceptual factors.

Trastornos del sueño pueden tener varias consecuencias para la cognición, el comportamiento y la vida social de las personas. La terapia utilizada para evaluar e intervenir en estos trastornos aún no está consolidada. En este contexto, el objetivo de este estudio fue verificar la aplicabilidad y efectividad de la estimulación transcraneal (ETCA / ETCC / EMTr) en los trastornos del sueño. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática según las guías PRISMA en las bases de datos Web of Science, PubMed, LILACS y SciELO. Inicialmente se encontraron 448 artículos, según los criterios de elegibilidad. Se utilizó la base de datos PEDro para evaluar la calidad metodológica de los 11 artículos finales. En general, los resultados indican que existen informes tanto favorables como desfavorables sobre la efectividad del uso terapéutico de las técnicas de estimulación transcraneal en los trastornos del sueño y, por tanto, sigue siendo una cuestión abierta, dependiendo de múltiples factores metodológicos y conceptuales.

The value of transcranial Doppler sonography and digital subtraction angiography in evaluating collateral circulation in ischemic stroke and its correlation with prognosis / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To explore the value of transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in evaluating collateral circulation in ischemic stroke (IS) and its correlation with prognosis.Methods:The 350 IS patients admitted to Shaoxing People′s Hospital from January 2017 to December 2020 were selected as the research objects. According to the results of DSA, they were divided into collateral circulation group and non-collateral circulation group. According to the prognosis, they were divided into good prognosis group and poor prognosis group. The consistency between the evaluation results of collateral circulation on IS of TCD and DSA was analyzed, and its correlation with prognosis was analyzed.Results:The DSA results showed that among 350 patients, 118 had no collateral circulation and 232 had collateral circulation, including 130 cases of grade 1 collateral circulation and 102 cases of grade 2 collateral circulation. TCD results showed that there were 117 cases without collateral circulation and 233 cases with collateral circulation, including 131 cases with grade 1 collateral circulation and 102 cases with grade 2 collateral circulation. The consistency test showed that the evaluation results of TCD on collateral circulation was highly consistent with the gold standard DSA ( Kappa>0.9, P<0.05). Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that time-point effects, inter-group effects, time-point and inter-group interaction effects can significantly affect the changes in modified Rankin scale(mRS) scores ( P<0.05); and the mRS scores in the collateral circulation group were less than those in the non-collateral circulation group at admission the hospital, discharge of the hospital and 3 months after discharge the hospital: (1.89 ± 0.82) scores vs. (2.98 ± 0.98) scores, (1.13 ± 0.53) scores vs. (2.45 ± 0.80) scores, (0.50 ± 0.45) scores vs. (1.86 ± 0.80) scores, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The collateral circulation rate in the good prognosis group was higher than that in the poor prognosis group: 78.95%(150/190) vs. 47.50%(76/160), there was statistical difference ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The evaluation value of TCD for IS collateral circulation is high, and collateral circulation is closely related to prognosis.

The basis and clinical research progress of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of pediatric epilepsy / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Epilepsy is a common neurological disease, which is caused by transient brain dysfunction due to sudden abnormal discharges of neurons.Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a neuroelectrophysiological technique developed based on transcranial magnetic stimulation that regulates the excitability of the cerebral cortex, presenting the advantages of painless, non-invasiveness, good safety and less adverse events.In addition, rTMS is widely used in experimental research and clinical treatment, which has a high efficacy on the treatment of central nervous system diseases, and important value for the detection and treatment of pediatric epilepsy.This paper reviews the principle, mechanism, application and safety of rTMS in the treatment of pediatric epilepsy.

Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with robotic therapy on the rehabilitation of upper-limb motor function of hemiplegic stroke patients / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of cathodic transcranial direct current stimulation (ctDCS) combined with upper limb robot therapy (RT) on the rehabilitation of upper limb motor function in stroke patients.Methods:Forty patients with stroke hemiplegia who met the enrollment criteria were randomly divided into a pseudo-stimulation group ( n = 20) and a stimulation group ( n = 20). In addition to conventional treatment in both groups, ctDCS + RT was used in the stimulation group, and sham stimulation + RT was used in the sham-stimulation group. Treatment was performed 10 times, 5 times per week, for 30 minutes each time. Patients in both groups were evaluated before, during, and after treatment using the Brunnstrom Staging Scale, the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) scale, and the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), respectively. Results:Compared with the same group before treatment, there were statistically significant differences in Brunnstrom’s rating grade Ⅳ for upper limbs and hands in both groups during and after treatment (all P < 0.05). Compared with the same group during treatment, there were statistically significant differences in Brunnstrom’s rating grade Ⅳ for upper limbs and hands in both groups after treatment (all P < 0.05). MBI scores were higher in two groups during and after treatment compared to the same group before treatment (all P < 0.05). MBI scores were higher in two groups after treatment compared to the same group during treatment (all P < 0.05). The MBI scores after treatment in the stimulation group were higher than those in the pseudo-stimulation group ( P < 0.05). The MAS scores of elbow flexion grade 2 and extension grade 4 and shoulder flexion grade 2, extension grade 2, adduction grade 2, and abduction grade 2 were lower in both groups after treatment compared with the same group before treatment (all P < 0.05). Conclusions:Cathodic transcranial direct current stimulation combined with robotic therapy can effectively promote upper limb motor function rehabilitation in stroke patients and is superior to upper limb robotic therapy alone.

Application of transcranial direct current stimulation in patients with aphasia after stroke / 国际脑血管病杂志

Post-stroke aphasia (PSA) is a common speech disorder after stroke, involving at least 1/3 of stroke patients, and causing serious adverse effects on their lives and work. The available intervention measures include speech and language rehabilitation therapy, drug therapy, and non-invasive brain stimulation technology. The latter mainly includes transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). tDCS can have a positive impact on PSA by promoting its self-repair, regulating the level of neurotransmitters, and inhibiting inflammation. This article reviews the effect of tDCS on the self-recovery mechanism of PSA and its treatment.

Effect of acupressure combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on the motor function recovery after stroke: a prospective randomized controlled study / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of acupressure combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the motor function recovery after stroke.Methods:Patients with post-stroke hemiplegia treated with rehabilitation in Beijing Tongzhou District Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital from February 2020 to May 2022 were enrolled prospectively. They were randomly divided into acupressure + rTMS group and rTMS group according to the random number table method. All patients were given routine rehabilitation training and drug intervention after admission. The rTMS group was treated with high-frequency rTMS on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of the affected sides, and the acupressure + rTMS group conducted acupressure on the basis of the rTMS group. The treatment time was 6 weeks for both groups. Before and after treatment, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Wolf Motor Function Test Scale (WMFT) were used to evaluate motor function.Results:A total of 112 patients were enrolled in the study, including 56 patients in the acupressure + rTMS group and 56 patients in the rTMS group. The BBS score, FMA score and WMFT score in both groups after treatment were significantly improved than those before treatment ( P<0.001), but the BBS score, FMA score and WMFT score in the acupressure + rTMS group after treatment were significantly higher than those in the rTMS group ( P<0.001). Conclusion:The application of acupressure combined with rTMS can promote the recovery of motor function after stroke, and the treatment effect is significant.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation in the treatment of post-stroke depression / 国际脑血管病杂志

Post-stroke depression (PSD) refers to a series of affective disorder syndrome characterized by low mood and lack of interest after stroke, often accompanied by physical symptoms, which is a common complication of stroke. Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation have been widely used in the treatment of PSD in recent years. This article summarizes the research progress of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation in the treatment of PSD.

Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Endurance Performance of Lower Limbs:A Systematic Review / 医用生物力学

Sports fatigue of the lower limbs is one of the important factors affecting sports performance. How to improve the anti-fatigue ability of the lower limbs during endurance exercise is the focus of the research field of human sports biomechanics. This study systematically reviewed the relevant literature on transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) intervention on lower limb endurance performance, summarized the effect of tDCS on lower limb endurance performance, and analyzed the influencing factors and potential mechanisms. The results showed that: tDCS intervention has a significant effect on the endurance performance of the whole lower limbs, but there is no unified conclusion on the effect on the endurance performance of the knee joint. The researchers deem that tDCS can increase the excitability of the primary motor cortex and reduce the activation of the supplementary motor area and the premotor area to producing a lower rating of perceived exertion, but cannot affect the perception of exercise-induced pain, and stimulation protocols varied across studies, which may be partly responsible. This study can provide a theoretical basis for exploring the central mechanism of tDCS to improve endurance performance, formulating rehabilitation and sports training programsfor different groups of people, and developing new stimulation equipment to enhance the human body’s anti fatigue ability.

Effect of rTMS on the efficacy and cognitive function of adolescents with depression / 四川精神卫生

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation （rTMS） on the efficacy and cognitive function of adolescents with depression. MethodsA total of sixty adolescent depression patients who met the diagnostic criteria of the International Classification of Diseases， tenth edition （ICD-10） and were admitted to the psychological outpatient clinic of the Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Technology from September 2021 to March 2022 were selected for the study， and the random number table method was used to divide the study group （escitalopram oxalate combined with rTMS treatment） and a control group （escitalopram oxalate combined with rTMS pseudo-stimulation treatment） of 30 cases each， and both groups were treated for 4 weeks. Before treatment and at 1， 2， 3 and 4 weeks of treatment， patients' depressive symptoms were assessed using the scores and subtraction rates of the Hamilton Depression Scale-24 item （HAMD-24）， and before treatment and after 4 weeks of treatment， cognitive function was assessed using the Motion Screening Task （MOT）， Rule Switch Task （RST） and Delayed Matching-to-Sample （DMS） task of the Zhiyun Neuropsychological Automated Test System assessment. Adverse effects during treatment were recorded in both groups. ResultsRepeated measures ANOVA results showed statistically significant time main effects， group main effects， and the interaction between the two groups for HAMD-24 scores before treatment and after 1， 2， 3 and 4 weeks of treatment in patients （F=522.021， 39.905， 26.412， P<0.05）. Individual effect analysis showed statistically significant differences in HAMD-24 scores between the two groups after 2， 3 and 4 weeks of treatment （t=-12.784~-2.776， P<0.01）. After 4 weeks of treatment， the total effective rate of treatment in the study group was higher than that in the control group （93.33% vs. 73.33%， χ2=4.320， P<0.05）， and the differences in each indicator of RST and DMS between the two groups were statistically significant compared with those before treatment （t=-5.616~9.135， P<0.05 or 0.01）， and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant （t=-4.823~5.518， P<0.05 or 0.01）. ConclusionrTMS may help improve depressive symptoms as well as cognitive function in adolescents with depression.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging study about repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for dysfunction after stroke: a scoping review / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo explore the brain mechanism of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on dysfunction after stroke using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). MethodsLiteratures about the functional magnetic resonance imaging study about repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for dysfunction after stroke were retrieved in PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI and Wanfang data from establishment to June 1st, 2021. The quality of the literature was evaluated with Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Literature screening, and data extraction were performed by two researchers. ResultsA total of 14 randomized controlled trials were finally enrolled. They were of high or very high quality. They mainly involved the therapeutic effect and imaging mechanisms of rTMS on dysfunction after stroke. ConclusionrTMS could change the excitability of the cerebral cortex and the effective connections between brain regions after stroke, promote the reorganization of brain function, and achieve the recovery of post-stroke dysfunction.

Effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on walking of stroke patients at recovery stage / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on walking function of stroke patients at recovery stage. MethodsFrom January, 2021 to January, 2022, 60 stroke inpatients at recovery stage from Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were randomly divided into group A (n = 20), group B (n = 20) and group C (n = 20). All the groups accepted conventional rehabilitation therapy and lower limb robot-assisted training, while group B accepted pseudo-rTMS, and group C accepted high-frequency rTMS, for four weeks. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremities (FMA-LE), Timed 'Up and Go' Test (TUGT) and gait analysis before and after treatment. ResultsThe score of FMA-LE, TUGT, pace, stride width, stride, double support phase time, affected side support phase time, affected side swing phase time, healthy side support phase time and healthy side swing phase time improved after treatment in all the groups (|t| > 5.990, P < 0.001), and all the indexes improved the most in group C (F > 3.210, P < 0.05), except double support phase time. ConclusionHigh-frequency rTMS could facilitate the recovery of lower limb function and walking of stroke patients at recovery stage.

Effects of cathodic transcranial direct current stimulation on motor function of upper limbs and fingers in patients with right brain injury / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of cathodic transcranial direct current stimulation (ctDCS) on upper limb and finger dysfunction after right brain injury (RBI). MethodsFrom October, 2020 to May, 2022, 40 RBI patients in Beijing Bo'ai Hospital were randomly divided into control group and experimental group, with 20 patients in each group. All the patients accepted conventional drug treatment, conventional rehabilitation treatment and functional occupational therapy. The cathode electrode was placed in the M1 area of the uninjured side of brain, then the control group received sham stimulation and the experimental group received stimulation, for four weeks. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE) and -Finger, and the modified Barthel Index (MBI) before and after treatment. ResultsAfter treatment, the scores of FMA-UE, FMA-Finger and MBI improved in the two groups (t > 5.627, P < 0.001), and improved more in the experimental group than in the control group (t > 2.161, P < 0.05). ConclusionctDCS can effectively improve the motor function of upper limbs and fingers of RBI patients, and improve the ability of activities of daily living.

An expandable chamber for safe brain retraction: new technologies in the field of transcranial endoscopic surgery / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Neurosurgery is a highly specialized field: it often involves surgical manipulation of noble structures and cerebral retraction is frequently necessary to reach deep-seated brain lesions. There are still no reliable methods preventing possible retraction complications. The objective of this study was to design work chambers well suited for transcranial endoscopic surgery while providing safe retraction of the surrounding brain tissue. The chamber is designed to be inserted close to the intracranial point of interest; once it is best placed it can be opened. This should guarantee an appreciable workspace similar to that of current neurosurgical procedures. The experimental aspect of this study involved the use of a force sensor to evaluate the pressures exerted on the brain tissue during the retraction phase. Following pterional craniotomy, pressure measurements were made during retraction with the use of a conventional metal spatula with different inclinations. Note that, although the force values necessary for retraction and exerted on the spatula by the neurosurgeon are the same, the local pressure exerted on the parenchyma at the edge of the spatula at different inclinations varied greatly. A new method of cerebral retraction using a chamber retractor (CR) has been designed to avoid any type of complication due to spatula edge overpressures and to maintain acceptable pressure values exerted on the parenchyma.

Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on event-related potentials of mental rotation / 生物医学工程学杂志

There are few researches on the modulation effect of transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS) on complex spatial cognition. Especially, the influence of tDCS on the neural electrophysiological response in spatial cognition is not yet clear. This study selected the classic spatial cognition task paradigm (three-dimensional mental rotation task) as the research object. By comparing the changes in behavior and event-related potentials in different modes of tDCS before, during and after the application of tDCS, this study analyzed the behavioral and neurophysiological effects of tDCS on mental rotation. The comparison between active-tDCS and sham-tDCS showed no statistically significant difference in behavior between different stimulation modes. Still, the changes in the amplitudes of P2 and P3 during the stimulation were statistically significant. Compared with sham-tDCS, the amplitudes of P2 and P3 in active-tDCS mode showed a greater decrease during the stimulation. This study clarifies the influence of tDCS on the event-related potentials of the mental rotation task. It shows that tDCS may improve the brain information processing efficiency during the mental rotation task. Also, this study provides a reference for an in-depth understanding and exploration of the modulation effect of tDCS on complex spatial cognition.

The influence of tissue conductivity on the calculation of electric field in the transcranial magnetic stimulation head model / 生物医学工程学杂志

In transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), the conductivity of brain tissue is obtained by using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data processing. However, the specific impact of different processing methods on the induced electric field in the tissue has not been thoroughly studied. In this paper, we first used magnetic resonance image (MRI) data to create a three-dimensional head model, and then estimated the conductivity of gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) using four conductivity models, namely scalar (SC), direct mapping (DM), volume normalization (VN) and average conductivity (MC), respectively. Isotropic empirical conductivity values were used for the conductivity of other tissues such as the scalp, skull, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and then the TMS simulations were performed when the coil was parallel and perpendicular to the gyrus of the target. When the coil was perpendicular to the gyrus where the target was located, it was easy to get the maximum electric field in the head model. The maximum electric field in the DM model was 45.66% higher than that in the SC model. The results showed that the conductivity component along the electric field direction of which conductivity model was smaller in TMS, the induced electric field in the corresponding domain corresponding to the conductivity model was larger. This study has guiding significance for TMS precise stimulation.