Enhancement of neuroplasticity by cortical stimulation

Non-invasive brain stimulation methods such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation allow us to interact directly with activity in neural circuits in the brain. Work has shown that these methods can also lead to changes in the effectiveness of synaptic connections, probably through mechanisms related to long-term potentiation/depression as described in animal preparations. Similar processes of synaptic plasticity are involved in many neurological rehabilitation techniques involve learning how to optimize performance in the face of neurological disease or injury. Thus combining non-invasive stimulation with rehabilitation may therefore be able to enhance plasticity and speed the response to therapy. We describe the techniques involved and summarize some of the recent clinical trials that have been conducted using this approach.