Transcranial direct current stimulation for treatment of freezing of gait: A cross‐over study. Issue 8 (30th April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Valentino, Francesca; Cosentino, Giuseppe; Brighina, Filippo; Pozzi, Nicolò Gabriele; Sandrini, Giorgio; Fierro, Brigida; Savettieri, Giovanni; D'Amelio, Marco; Pacchetti, Claudio
• Is Part Of: Movement disorders. Volume 29:Issue 8(2014)
• Page Start: 1064
• Page End: 1069
• Publication Date: 2014-04-30
• Subjects: Movement disorders -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1002/mds.25897
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-3185

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <sec id="mds25897-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background and objective</title> <p>Progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) is frequently characterized by the occurrence of freezing of gait (FOG) representing a disabling motor complication. We aim to investigate safety and efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation of the primary motor cortex of PD patients with FOG.</p> </sec> <sec id="mds25897-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>In this cross‐over, double‐blind, sham‐controlled study, 10 PD patients with FOG persisting in "on" state underwent anodal and sham direct current stimulation for 5 consecutive days. Clinical assessment over a 1‐month period was performed.</p> </sec> <sec id="mds25897-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>A significant improvement of gait, as assessed by the Stand Walk Sit test, with reduction in number and duration of FOG episodes, along with a significant reduction in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score, were observed after anodal stimulation. Beneficial effects were more evident after the entire 5‐day stimulation session, and persisted until the end of the observation period.</p> </sec> <sec id="mds25897-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation of the motor cortex is safe and has therapeutic potential in PD patients with FOG. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society</p> </sec> </abstract>