Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis: AÂ Review of tDCS, rTMS and ECT Results

- ECT is useful for the treatment of concomitant psychiatric disorders.
- rTMS, iTBS, and tDCS show mixed results in MS symptoms.
- More studies are needed to explore NIBS in MS.

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a disabling neurological disorder presenting a variety of symptoms which are hard to control by actual drug regimens. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques have been investigated in the past years for the improvement of several neurologic and psychiatric disorders.ObjectiveHere, we review the application of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS, iTBS) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in MS patients.MethodsArticles were searched in common literature databases. Crosslinks were reviewed.ResultsECT was shown to be efficacious for the treatment of severe psychiatric disorders in 21 case reports. The results of tDCS and TMS for the treatment of depressive symptoms, fatigue, tactile sensory deficit, pain, motor performance, and spasticity were assessed in several studies and showed mixed results.ConclusionsOverall, data for the treatment of MS with NIBS is sparse regarding TMS and tDCS. Treatment of severe psychiatric disorders with ECT is only reported in single cases. More studies are needed to elucidate the potential role of NIBS in MS treatment.