Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Post Stroke Depression

Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Post Stroke Depression

The aim of the research is to address the critical gap that limited number of RCTs are conducted on this topic. To further explore the efficacy of tDCs, large sample sizes, large follow up period and rigorously controlled randomized clinical trials are necessary. An optimum stimulation protocol is also needed on this study. Previous studies lack information regarding effects of this stimulation on depression, cognition, quality of life in relation to different severity levels of stroke.

Research studies revealed that PSD causes both cognitive and physical impairments to lower motivation, which hinders rehabilitation program participation and slows down executive functions. Due to depression, cognitive dysfunctions difficulty in executive, working memory and emotional deficits which declines quality of life (QoL). Thus, the combined effects of cognitive decline and PSD considerably more worsen stroke survivors' QoL with regard to psychological, environmental and physical well-being Evidence supports various techniques for minimizing PSD, restoring cognitive function, and enhancing QoL including mindfulness-based therapies, exercise therapy (aerobic and resistance trainings), progressive muscle relaxation exercises, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) include transcranial direct current stimulations (tDCS) demonstrated significant therapeutic outcomes in the PSD rehabilitation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Stroke for more than 6 months
• Both gender with equal ratio on stroke severity basis
• Depression diagnosed by Psychiatrist
• Mild and moderate Depression at PHQ-9
• National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) for severity level; Mild (1-4), Moderate (5-15), Moderate to Severe (16-20), Severe (21-42)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any medical condition like cardiac arrhythmias, uncontrolled hypertension.
• Individual with any pacemaker and metal implant in body.
• Patient with any other neurological and psychiatric condition.