A Case of Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation for Childhood Stroke Hemiparesis: A Brief Report

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Survivors of childhood stroke incur lifelong physical disability. Treatment options are limited, however, models of motor reorganization after stroke are revealing cortical targets for neuromodulation. Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) enhances motor learning and may improve motor recovery in adult stroke, but remains uninvestigated in childhood-onset stroke. Here we documented the feasibility and safety of tDCS in an adolescent with chronic stroke-induced hemiparesis.

Materials and methods: Over 10 days, the participant underwent occupational therapy paired with contralesional, primary motor cortex-targeting, cathodal tDCS. Clinical motor outcomes, and safety and tolerability measures were completed.

Results: tDCS was well-tolerated with no adverse events. Motor outcomes did not regress post-intervention, with clinically significant changes still evident at 6 months.

Conclusions: Application of controlled trials of non-invasive neuromodulation are safe and tolerability in childhood-onset stroke.

KEYWORDS:

• Non-invasive brain stimulation
• tDCS
• rehabilitation
• stroke
• pediatrics

Declaration of Interest Statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

Financial support for the research was provided by the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation [10155487].