Are transcranial brain stimulation effects long-lasting in post-stroke aphasia? A comparative systematic review and meta-analysis on naming performance.

Abstract

In the last decade, the effects of NIBS on language recovery in post-stroke aphasia have been evaluated, but little is known about the long-term effectiveness. To this aim, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether positive effects, mainly on naming performance, are maintained in time, and rTMS and/or tDCS (either as an add-on therapy to SLT or as monotherapy) can be considered effective and reliable interventions for naming rehabilitation. Sixteen studies met our inclusion criteria and the pooled SMDs showed a medium to large rTMS effect and a small to medium tDCS effect. Critically, the treatment effects were maintained in time. Sub-analyses indicated that while rTMS can be considered effective for both subacute and chronic patients, tDCS seems adequate only for chronic aphasia. Importantly, the level of evidence as qualified with GRADE was moderate to high for rTMS and low for tDCS studies.

• Authors: Madalina Bucur, Costanza Papagno
• Journal: Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews (Neurosci Biobehav Rev) Vol. 102 Pg. 264-289 (07 2019) ISSN: 1873-7528 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 31077693 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Aphasia (etiology, physiopathology, therapy)
• Humans
• Outcome Assessment, Health Care
• Stroke (complications, therapy)
• Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation