The Effects of Transcranial Stimulation on Language Related Large Scale Brain Networks

Kindler, Jochen; Hauf, Matinus; Hubl, Daniela (2017). The Effects of Transcranial Stimulation on Language Related Large Scale Brain Networks. Epileptologie, 34, pp. 31-37. Schweizerische Liga gegen Epilepsie

Text Kindler_2017_Epileptologie_TMS&Language.pdf - Published Version Restricted to registered users only Available under License Publisher holds Copyright. Download (125kB)

The potential of brain stimulation techniques,
such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and
transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), for therapeutic
purposes in neurologic and psychiatric diseases
is currently intensively investigated. The current article
provides a framework about the nature of long term effects
of TMS and tDCS, as seen after therapeutic brain
stimulation. Using auditory verbal hallucinations as
a specific example of language network computation
error, we demonstrate that brain stimulation changes
language network activity, simultaneously with clinical
improvements. Furthermore, we show that these
stimulation effects are propagated from the directly
stimulated region to structurally and functionally connected
remote areas. Thus, we conclude hypothesizing
that brain stimulation induces neuronal plasticity via
disrupting pathological network connectivity. This principle
of action needs to be further investigated in epilepsy:
as a diagnostic tool for the detection of essential
nods (hubs) within the epileptic large scale network in
the workup for disconnective surgergy and as a potential
therapeutical option for modifying non-invasively
the pathological activity within the epileptic network.

Interest & Impact

Downloads

2 since deposited on 29 Dec 2017
0 in the past 12 months

Citations

5 Citations in Web of Science ®
6 Citations in Scopus

Search

in Google Scholar™

Services

Actions (login required)

Edit item

Actions (login required)

Edit item