Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation versus Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation as neuromodulatory techniques in stroke rehabilitation

Abstract

Transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation are two techniques of non-invasive brain stimulation which principal mechanism of action is the cortical excitability modulation. The objective of this study is to perform an updated descriptive review of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) analyzing the similarities and differences of their therapeutic applications in the rehabilitation of some of the most relevant neurological deficits consecutive to the stroke. Both TMS and tDCS favor the neurological recovery in the chronic phase of stroke. Until the moment, no differences have been published between both procedures in these cases after analyzing the published in relation to its effectiveness over motor dysfunction, aphasia or dysphagia. Clinical studies with greater number of participants and protocols standardized could outline this assessment in future studies.