Article

OBJECTIVE: To test whether multiple sessions of inhibitory low-frequency
repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to the left parietal
area can improve hemispatial neglect after stroke.
DESIGN: An open-label design.
PATIENTS: Seven consecutive patients with hemispatial neglect after right
hemispheric stroke were compared with 7 retrospectively recruited control
patients. METHODS: Seven patients received a session of 1 Hz rTMS to the left
parietal area immediately prior to occupational therapy for 10 days. Seven
control patients received only behavioural therapy. RESULTS: Baseline values of
the line bisection test and the Albert test were comparable in the two groups.
The stimulation group showed a greater improvement in the line bisection test
than did the control group. However, no differences were found between the two
groups according to the Albert test. CONCLUSION: In this pilot study,
low-frequency rTMS application to the non-affected left parietal area was found
to be safe and to improve line bisection test, which suggests that non-invasive
cortical stimulation has a potential role as an adjuvant strategy during
cognitive rehabilitation training in patients with hemispatial neglect. A prospective randomized, sham-controlled study is required to determine the
beneficial role of non-invasive cortical stimulation on hemispatial neglect.

Langue : ANGLAIS