Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 1, 2025
Measuring and Manipulating Functionally Specific Neural Pathways in the Human Motor System with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Published on: February 23, 2020
Sex Differences in Neuromodulation Treatment Approaches for Traumatic Brain Injury: A Scoping Review
Angela Phillips1, Sohrab Sami, Maheen Adamson
1Department of Rehabilitation, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California (Drs Phillips and Adamson and Mr Sami); and Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences (Dr Phillips) and Neurosurgery (Dr Adamson), Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
Objective:
Neuromodulatory brain stimulation interventions for traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related health sequelae, such as psychiatric, cognitive, and pain disorders, are on the rise. Because of disproportionate recruitment and epidemiological reporting of TBI-related research in men, there is limited understanding of TBI development, pathophysiology, and treatment intervention outcomes in women. With data suggesting sex-related variances in treatment outcomes, it is important that these gaps are addressed in emerging, neuromodulatory treatment approaches for TBI populations.
Methods:
Four research databases (PubMED, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) were electronically searched in February 2020.
Design:
This PRISMA Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR)-guided report contextualizes the importance of reporting sex differences in TBI + neuromodulatory intervention studies and summarizes the current state of reporting sex differences when investigating 3 emerging interventions for TBI outcomes.
Results:
Fifty-four studies were identified for the final review including 12 controlled trials, 16 single or case series reports, and 26 empirical studies. Across all studies reviewed, 68% of participants were male, and only 7 studies reported sex differences as a part of their methodological approach, analysis, or discussion.
Conclusion:
This review is hoped to update the TBI community on the current state of evidence in reporting sex differences across these 3 neuromodulatory treatments of post-TBI sequelae. The proposed recommendations aim to improve future research and clinical treatment of all individuals suffering from post-TBI sequelae.
