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Updated: Jan 25, 2026

Simultaneous EEG Monitoring During Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Published on: June 17, 2013
Soluble neural cell adhesion molecule and behavioural recovery in minimally conscious patients undergoing
Nicole Ziliotto1, Giovanna Marchetti2, Sofia Straudi3
1Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Italy.
Background:
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is used for therapeutic purpose in severely brain-injured patients. The relationship between the recovery after tDCS and potential biomarkers in plasma has been limitedly investigated in patients with minimal conscious state (MCS).
Objective:
To investigate soluble neuronal adhesion molecule (sNCAM) plasma levels in relation to tDCS and recovery processes in MCS.
Methods:
sNCAM was measured in plasma before (T-1,T0), during (T1) and after (T2, T3) tDCS sessions in eight patients with a post traumatic etiology and at least one year of chronic state.
Results:
While sNCAM levels were highly correlated overtime, no significant difference was observed in relation to tDCS. An inverse relation was observed between sNCAM levels at baseline and the tDCS long-lasting effects (T-1, r = -0.852, p = 0.007; T0, r = -0.787, p = 0.020).
Conclusions:
This exploratory research suggests the sNCAM levels, potentially associated with tDCS outcomes, as a candidate biomarker of neurobiological after-effects in MCS patients.
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