Intracranial Neuromodulation for Neurologic Recovery

Abstract

Neurologic insults (traumatic brain injuries, strokes, and spinal cord injuries) profoundly influence motor, cognitive, and psychological functions. Current medical and surgical therapies are often insufficient to address the functional deficits from these injuries. Intracranial neuromodulation, specifically deep brain stimulation (DBS) and motor cortex stimulation (MCS), has been studied to improve these deficits. Preclinical results demonstrate that DBS and MCS effectively potentiate the sequalae of neurologic insult. Clinical evidence is limited, but existing reports and clinical trials show the promising therapeutic potential of intracranial neuromodulation. Further study of intracranial neuromodulation treatment is warranted, with greater attention to confounding variables and methodology.