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Published in: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports 3/2022

01-03-2022 | Central Nervous System Trauma | Neurotrauma (D. Sandsmark, Section Editor)

Neuromodulation Treatments for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-concussive Symptoms

Authors: Adriano Mollica, Rachel Greben, Chika Oriuwa, Shan H. Siddiqi, Matthew J. Burke

Published in: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports | Issue 3/2022

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can result in prolonged post-concussive symptoms (e.g., depression, headaches, cognitive impairment) that are debilitating and difficult to treat. This article reviews recent research on neuromodulation for mTBI.

Recent Findings

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is the most studied neuromodulation approach for mTBI (four studies for depression, four for headache, one for cognitive impairment, and two for global post-concussive symptoms) with promising results for post-concussive depression and headache. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has also been evaluated (one study for post-traumatic headache, and three for cognitive impairment), with more mixed results overall.

Summary

TMS appears to be a potentially promising neuromodulation treatment strategy for post-concussive symptoms; however, integration into clinical practice will require larger sham-controlled randomized trials with longer and more consistent follow-up periods. Future studies should also explore new stimulation protocols, personalized approaches, and the role of placebo effects.

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Metadata
Title
Neuromodulation Treatments for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-concussive Symptoms
Authors
Adriano Mollica
Rachel Greben
Chika Oriuwa
Shan H. Siddiqi
Matthew J. Burke
Publication date
01-03-2022

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