Non-invasive cerebellar stimulation is the application of non-invasive neurostimulation techniques on the cerebellum to modify its electrical activity. Techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can be used. [1] The cerebellum is a high potential target for neuromodulation of neurological and psychiatric disorders due to the high density of neurons in its superficial layer, its electrical properties, and its participation in numerous closed-loop circuits involved in motor, cognitive, and emotional functions. [2]
Cerebellar TMS is a relatively new field that is undergoing experimental research. There is not yet sufficient evidence of the therapeutic effects of cerebellar TMS, [3] although some successful results have been reported in other clinical studies of TMS used to treat the frontal lobe. [4]
NICS is a neural modulation technique, showing capability to rehabilitate the brain functions of patients undergoing a plethora of neurological or psychiatric diseases. [5] There are 3 forms of NICS which are primarily used; transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). [1] NICS targets the cerebellum, due to the high density of neurons at its superficial layer (the cerebellar cortex), the electrical properties, and network to neural circuits (involved in motor, cognitive, and emotional functions). [2] Due to the success of clinical trials in response to rehabilitating sensorimotor functions and cognition, more NICS research is being invested into. [6] NICS has the potential to attack multiple neurological and psychiatric disorders, although NICS are still not included and heavily advocated in clinical treatment. This is due to contingent conclusions regarding NICS effects. [7] Further research is still required to confirm and identify the optimal parameters to target these regions.
The three most distinguished NICS methods include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). All methods involve the targeting to the cerebellar region of interest. However collectively the effects of these treatments are not fully disclosed. [8] Multiple theories have been suggested; 1) NICS influences the excitability of cerebellar neurons and in the connectivity between cerebellar and other brain regions, which henceforth alters the cerebellums motor and cognitive functions. [9] 2) NICS can induce variations in plasticity (ability of nervous system to adapt its activity in response to stimuli), which create long-lasting effects behaviour and cognition. [10] 3) NICS induces selectivity of the activation and/or inhibition of specific neural circuits within the cerebellum. [1]
TMS utilises a magnetic field to induce a brief electrical impulse which stimulates neurons within the cerebral cortex. [13] This targets the cerebral cortex through electromagnetic induction. Its general mechanism is applying a magnetic field in the form of coil to the scalp which then influences your motor cortex. [14] TMS itself has variations in terms of magnet strength, pulse frequency, pulse patterns (rTMS), magnetic coil type and stimulation target. [15] Depending on its target use, these factors can be manipulated specific to the target disease. [16] This is a method which is FDA approved and primarily utilized for mental illnesses such as depression. [16]
tDCS involves the application of a weak direct electrical current to the scalp which flows through underlying brain tissue and modulates the activity of the neurons within the targeted region. [17] When directed on the cerebellum, tDCs can increase or suppress the excitability of neurons. [18] This is the dependent on the current; an anode is placed on the target region and a cathode on the reference region, I.e. excitability of neurons is enhanced in the target region and alternatively suppressed in the reference region. [19]
tACS involves the utilisation of an alternating current on the target region which is stated to modulate activity of brain regions through entraining neuronal oscillations and hence enhance cerebellar function. [20]
The first reports of NICS date back to the early 1960s, when German neurologist Oskar Vogt first used electrical stimulation to stimulate the cerebellum. [21] Results of this study indicated the ability of electrical stimulation in the cerebellum to induce chances in muscle tone and movement. [21] However, the use of an invasive procedure limited the clinical application and relevance of the study. The development of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the 1980s opened new possibilities for the application NICS, and brain imaging techniques developed in the latter half of the 20th century later revealed the effects of cerebellum stimulation on higher cognitive functions such as language, emotion and attention. [22] In the 1990s, researchers began to study the effects of TMS in humans. Since then, extensive studies have been conducted exploring the impact of NICS on cerebellar function and its possibilities in clinical contexts. [23]
Currently NICS treatments are not being heavily advocated by medical practitioners due to the insufficient research surrounding their mechanisms. [7] However, there are multiple clinical trials which have deduced that using such techniques have in fact benefited patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders. [7]
TMS has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of major depressive disorders who do not respond to the oral medications (antidepressants). [24] Clinical trials additionally concluded positive results in relation to improving Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia. [25] TMS has also been investigated for its potential use in the treatment of chronic pain and stroke rehabilitation. [26]
tDCS likewise have produced positive results in the treatment of disorders such as depression, anxiety, chronic pain and stroke rehabilitation. [27] However, such evidence is still insufficient to be fully implemented in clinical practice and hence does not have FDA approval. Such research is to be further explored. [28]
tACS are similar to this; having promising results in clinical trials but have insufficient research and understanding of mechanisms to further implement this in clinical practice. [29]
Cerebellar Ataxia are a complex group of degenerative disorders which impair voluntary movements and are associated with the cerebellum. [7] The cerebellum plays a significant role in motor coordination, balance and posture, and its dysfunction is what results in Cerebellar Ataxia. [7] Currently, there are no effective disease-modifying therapies for this condition. [7] However, NICS has demonstrated potential as a therapeutic approach to address the clinical symptoms of patients with these debilitating disorders. [7] The application of NICS techniques such as TMS and tDCS enable the alleviation of symptoms through improved motor function, although further research is needed before it can be broadly utilised within clinical context. [7]
Dystonia is a multifaceted disorder that stems from cerebellar dysfunction, and it is marked by the development of uncontrollable muscle contractions. [30] The capacity to restore functional cerebellar processing after impairments suggests NICS as a potential treatment to aid in the control of these symptoms within certain patients. [30] The approach of TMS and tDCS provides a novel treatment target, however, the efficacy of using NICS within these parameters are undetermined. [30]
Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder resulting from the impairment of the cerebellum, and it is characterised by hallucinations, distorted thinking and delusions. [31] The NICS technique of tDCS is commonly applied to Schizophrenia to alleviate symptoms and enhance cognitive, social, behavioural and emotional functions. [31] However, clinical trials are needed in order to examine the possible therapeutic potential of tDCS in Schizophrenia. [31]
NICS are a safer treatment option unlike invasive procedures and treatment options which require incisions and anaesthesia. [7] These characteristics make it relatively safe and uncomplicated to administer. NICS enables patients to be treated without the hassle of being hospitalised or sedated as the procedure is often done in an outpatient setting. [7] This is in particularly useful for patients who opt for untraditional treatments (avoiding surgery or use of drugs).
NICS are considered to be a cost-effective option for patients. The cost of these treatments may vary in the parameters for an individual patient, although cumulatively this is still a cost-effective option if the alternative is continuous drugs or referring to surgery. [28]
Despite the limited information and research available for this topic, NICS withhold potential in the medical field to improve a variety of neuronal and psychiatric disorders.
Despite being reported as mostly safe, adverse effects still exist; which influence the patients’ decision to pursue this form of treatment. The most common side effect reported are mild and transient which include headaches, scalp discomfort and tingling sensations. However, there are more severe side-effects reported including induced seizures, pain, syncope, transient induction of hypomania, hearing loss, transient impairment of working memory etc. [32]
Such implications are due to the lack of research, particularly information regarding the effectiveness and the most optimal method of treatment. Techniques in inducing optimal parameters such as the intensity, target region of the magnetic field and current, duration of pulses, and type of treatment are still unspecified. Such methods (particularly RMS and tDCS) lack specific targeting to certain regions, which thus affects other regions of the brain which otherwise do not require intervention. [33] Additionally, the methods included are not generalisable to all patients. There is more inter-individual variability in the response to cerebellar stimulation, thereafter it requires the calculation and determination of the specific target region for a patient. [7] This information is still inconclusive and requires further research on how to optimally determine this.
Due to the lack of standardisation in the protocol of administering these interventions, NICS's are not currently suitable/advocated for application in clinical practice. [9] In order for effective treatment to occur, specified protocols must be administered for each patient, which is impractical in a wide scale population. Due to the limited and mixed conclusions of studies, patients and medical practitioners alike may be hesitant to use and invest in these non-invasive methods. Instead more traditional, invasive methods are preferred; including oral medications or practical therapies. [7]
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive form of brain stimulation in which a changing magnetic field is used to induce an electric current at a specific area of the brain through electromagnetic induction. An electric pulse generator, or stimulator, is connected to a magnetic coil connected to the scalp. The stimulator generates a changing electric current within the coil which creates a varying magnetic field, inducing a current within a region in the brain itself.
Visual snow syndrome (VSS) is a form of visual hallucination that is characterized by the perception of small, bilateral, simultaneous, diffuse, mobile, asynchronous dots usually throughout the entire visual field, but it can be partial, and it is present in all conditions of illumination, even with the eyes closed. The dots remain individual and do not clump together or change in size. Visual snow exists in one of two forms: the pulse type and the broadband type.
Neurotechnology encompasses any method or electronic device which interfaces with the nervous system to monitor or modulate neural activity.
Neurohacking is a subclass of biohacking, focused specifically on the brain. Neurohackers seek to better themselves or others by “hacking the brain” to improve reflexes, learn faster, or treat psychological disorders. The modern neurohacking movement has been around since the 1980s. However, herbal supplements have been used to increase brain function for hundreds of years. After a brief period marked by a lack of research in the area, neurohacking started regaining interest in the early 2000s. Currently, most neurohacking is performed via do-it-yourself (DIY) methods by in-home users.
Cerebellar ataxia is a form of ataxia originating in the cerebellum. Non-progressive congenital ataxia (NPCA) is a classical presentation of cerebral ataxias.
Intention tremor is a dyskinetic disorder characterized by a broad, coarse, and low-frequency tremor evident during deliberate and visually-guided movement. An intention tremor is usually perpendicular to the direction of movement. When experiencing an intention tremor, one often overshoots or undershoots one's target, a condition known as dysmetria. Intention tremor is the result of dysfunction of the cerebellum, particularly on the same side as the tremor in the lateral zone, which controls visually guided movements. Depending on the location of cerebellar damage, these tremors can be either unilateral or bilateral.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a form of neuromodulation that uses constant, low direct current delivered via electrodes on the head. It was originally developed to help patients with brain injuries or neuropsychiatric conditions such as major depressive disorder. It can be contrasted with cranial electrotherapy stimulation, which generally uses alternating current the same way, as well as transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Integrative neuroscience is the study of neuroscience that works to unify functional organization data to better understand complex structures and behaviors. The relationship between structure and function, and how the regions and functions connect to each other. Different parts of the brain carrying out different tasks, interconnecting to come together allowing complex behavior. Integrative neuroscience works to fill gaps in knowledge that can largely be accomplished with data sharing, to create understanding of systems, currently being applied to simulation neuroscience: Computer Modeling of the brain that integrates functional groups together.
Connectomics is the production and study of connectomes: comprehensive maps of connections within an organism's nervous system. More generally, it can be thought of as the study of neuronal wiring diagrams with a focus on how structural connectivity, individual synapses, cellular morphology, and cellular ultrastructure contribute to the make up of a network. The nervous system is a network made of billions of connections and these connections are responsible for our thoughts, emotions, actions, memories, function and dysfunction. Therefore, the study of connectomics aims to advance our understanding of mental health and cognition by understanding how cells in the nervous system are connected and communicate. Because these structures are extremely complex, methods within this field use a high-throughput application of functional and structural neural imaging, most commonly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electron microscopy, and histological techniques in order to increase the speed, efficiency, and resolution of these nervous system maps. To date, tens of large scale datasets have been collected spanning the nervous system including the various areas of cortex, cerebellum, the retina, the peripheral nervous system and neuromuscular junctions.
Electrical brain stimulation (EBS), also referred to as focal brain stimulation (FBS), is a form of electrotherapy used as a technique in research and clinical neurobiology to stimulate a neuron or neural network in the brain through the direct or indirect excitation of its cell membrane by using an electric current. EBS is used for research or for therapeutic purposes.
Neurostimulation is the purposeful modulation of the nervous system's activity using invasive or non-invasive means. Neurostimulation usually refers to the electromagnetic approaches to neuromodulation.
Cortical stimulation mapping (CSM) is a type of electrocorticography that involves a physically invasive procedure and aims to localize the function of specific brain regions through direct electrical stimulation of the cerebral cortex. It remains one of the earliest methods of analyzing the brain and has allowed researchers to study the relationship between cortical structure and systemic function. Cortical stimulation mapping is used for a number of clinical and therapeutic applications, and remains the preferred method for the pre-surgical mapping of the motor cortex and language areas to prevent unnecessary functional damage. There are also some clinical applications for cortical stimulation mapping, such as the treatment of epilepsy.
The temporal dynamics of music and language describes how the brain coordinates its different regions to process musical and vocal sounds. Both music and language feature rhythmic and melodic structure. Both employ a finite set of basic elements that are combined in ordered ways to create complete musical or lingual ideas.
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Gait variability seen in Parkinson's Disorders arise due to cortical changes induced by pathophysiology of the disease process. Gait rehabilitation is focused to harness the adapted connections involved actively to control these variations during the disease progression. Gait variabilities seen are attributed to the defective inputs from the Basal Ganglia. However, there is altered activation of other cortical areas that support the deficient control to bring about a movement and maintain some functional mobility.
Abraham Zangen is an Israeli professor of neuroscience, head of the brain stimulation and behavior lab and chair of the psychobiology brain program at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU).
Cerebellar degeneration is a condition in which cerebellar cells, otherwise known as neurons, become damaged and progressively weaken in the cerebellum. There are two types of cerebellar degeneration; paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration, and alcoholic or nutritional cerebellar degeneration. As the cerebellum contributes to the coordination and regulation of motor activities, as well as controlling equilibrium of the human body, any degeneration to this part of the organ can be life-threatening. Cerebellar degeneration can result in disorders in fine movement, posture, and motor learning in humans, due to a disturbance of the vestibular system. This condition may not only cause cerebellar damage on a temporary or permanent basis, but can also affect other tissues of the central nervous system, those including the cerebral cortex, spinal cord and the brainstem.
Friedhelm Christoph Hummel is a German neuroscientist and neurologist. A full professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, he is the Defitech Chair of Clinical Neuroengineering, and the head of the Hummel Laboratory at EPFL's School of Life Sciences. He also is an associate professor of clinical neuroscience at the University of Geneva.
Valeria Gazzola is an Italian neuroscientist, associate professor at the Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and member of the Young Academy of Europe. She is also a tenured department head at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN) in Amsterdam, where she leads her own research group and the Social Brain Lab together with neuroscientist Christian Keysers. She is a specialist in the neural basis of empathy and embodied cognition: Her research focusses on how the brain makes individuals sensitive to the actions and emotions of others and how this affects decision-making.
Alberto Priori is an Italian neurologist, academic, and author. He is a Professor of Neurology at the University of Milan, Director of Neurology 1 Unit at San Paolo Hospital, and the Founder and Coordinator of Aldo Ravelli Center of the University of Milan. He also serves as President of the Neurophysiopatology Tecniques Course, and Professor of Postgraduate Schools - Medicine, Healthcare, Dental Medicine at the same University.