Brain stimulation: a therapeutic approach for the treatment of neurological disorders

CNS Neurosci Ther. 2022 Jan;28(1):5-18. doi: 10.1111/cns.13769. Epub 2021 Dec 3.

Abstract

Brain stimulation has become one of the most acceptable therapeutic approaches in recent years and a powerful tool in the remedy against neurological diseases. Brain stimulation is achieved through the application of electric currents using non-invasive as well as invasive techniques. Recent technological advancements have evolved into the development of precise devices with capacity to produce well-controlled and effective brain stimulation. Currently, most used non-invasive techniques are repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), whereas the most common invasive technique is deep brain stimulation (DBS). In last decade, application of these brain stimulation techniques has not only exploded but also expanded to wide variety of neurological disorders. Therefore, in the current review, we will provide an overview of the potential of both non-invasive (rTMS and tDCS) and invasive (DBS) brain stimulation techniques in the treatment of such brain diseases.

Keywords: deep brain stimulation; invasive brain stimulation; non-invasive brain stimulation; repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation; transcranial direct current stimulation; transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / physiology
  • Deep Brain Stimulation*
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / physiopathology
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology
  • Nervous System Diseases / therapy*
  • Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation*
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation*