Direct current stimulation as a non-invasive therapeutic alternative for treating autonomic or non-autonomic neurological disorders affecting breathing.

Abstract

Direct current stimulation (DCS) is a non-invasive approach to stimulate the nervous system that is now considered a powerful tool for treating neurological diseases such as those affecting cognitive or locomotor functions. DCS, as applied clinically today, is an approach built on early uses in antiquity and knowledge gained over time. Its current use makes use of specific devices and takes into account knowledge of the mechanisms by which this approach modulates functioning of the nervous system at the cellular level. Over the last 20 years, although there are few studies, it has been shown that DCS can also modulate the breathing autonomic function. In this narrative review, after briefly providing the historical perspective and describing the principles and the main cellular and molecular effects, we summarize the currently available data regarding the modulation of ventilation, and propose that DCS could be used to treat autonomic or non-autonomic neurological disorders affecting breathing.