Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Stroke Rehabilitation

The Use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in the Recovery of Postural Control in Stroke

This study investigates if transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is effective in the recovery of postural control in stroke rehabilitation.

The patients were divided in 2 groups by a randomisation procedure. All patients participated for 2 months in the study. Group 1 received true tDCS in the first month followed by SHAM stimulation in the second month. Group 2 received SHAM in the first month and true stimulation in the following month. Four stimulations of 20minutes were provided during 4 weeks before before changing stimulation intensity.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients suffering from the consequences of a stroke in the medial cerebral artery, during the sub-acute phase (4-24 weeks after onset)
2. Age between 18-75 years
3. Hospitalised in rehabilitation Hospital Hof Ter Schelde
4. Capable of understanding and giving informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Cerebellum or brainstem lesions
2. Recently multiple lesions and older lesions which are manifested clinically.
3. History of severe substance abuse (alcohol, drugs, benzodiazepines)
4. Cardiac disease that in the opinion of the clinician precludes participation in the trial (severe dyspnea in rest, severe rhythm disturbances, etc)
5. History of epileptic insults, not caused by the stroke
6. Severe organic co morbidity
7. Psychiatric disorders or history of psychiatric disorders
8. Pace maker / internal defibrillator
9. Pregnancy