Non-invasive Brain Stimulation

Non-invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS) has been used over the last 30 years to create an electrical current in the brain without the need for an operation. Electroconvulsive Therapy, or ECT, is one widely known form of NIBS and has been used for depression where medications and therapies have not worked.

There are other forms of NIBS including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).  An electric current in the brain can be generated by the creation of a magnetic field on the scalp surface (TMS) or through passing a weak electrical current between two electrodes placed on the scalp directly (tDCS).

Both TMS and tDCS have been the focus of emerging research into NIBS for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.

For children and adolescents with cerebral palsy, NIBS may be able to measure the electrical activity of different parts of the brain and help those caring for the child to understand more about any underlying brain injury.

NIBS may also be able to treat brain injuries and improve how the brain functions, but there have been very few studies to test if this is possible. TMS and tDCS are typically used alongside physiotherapy and other movement therapies and may increase the beneficial effects that these therapies have on the dexterity and coordination of someone with cerebral palsy. NIBS may also help with spasticity although the studies looking at this effect have been very small.

Both TMS and tDCS can potentially increase the risk of the person suffering from a seizure or fainting. However, some research has shown that this risk appears to be small. More commonly, children may report headache, dizziness, neck pain and scalp irritation but these possible effects are generally mild and pass after a short amount of time.

Currently, NIBS for those with cerebral palsy is only available as part of research trials and treatment programs have not yet been established. Your child’s neurologist or pediatrician may know if there are suitable trials for your child to enroll in and what this process would involve.