Application of Neuromodulation Technique in Treatment of Aphasia (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Aphasia is the most common language communication disorder after stroke, which has a great impact on the work, life and social interaction of patients. The mechanism of brain recovery in aphasia is mainly to restore language function by regulating the synaptic plasticity of the brain and remolding the network of language function areas. Neuromodulation techniques based on brain network remodeling have been shown to be effective at the early and recovery stages of aphasia. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and mirror neuron therapy (MNT) are neuromodulation techniques that have been developed rapidly in recent years. They can directly or indirectly affect the cerebral cortex by electrical or chemical means, causing cortical excitability changes in the relevant language functional areas, so as to improve the language function of aphasic patients (listening comprehension, picture naming, repetition, daily communication, etc.). tDCS, as a safe, convenient and non-invasive neuro-regulation technology, can regulate the activity of brain neurons through different currents and electrode placement to treat aphasia, and the effect has remained in the follow-up. TMS technology is safe and non-invasive. Through the selection of different frequencies, stimulation sites, it can activate the corresponding cerebral cortex and subcortical axons, and improve the language function of aphasia patients. The damaged language network can be repaired and reshaped by activating mirror neurons, so as to improve the language functions of patients, such as naming, repetition, listening and comprehension. The relationship between mirror neurons and motor, sensation and language can be used as entry point for treatment of aphasia. The application of neuromodulation techniques to neuroelectrophysiology and neuroimaging has become a new direction in treatment of aphasia.