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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Yoga for Functional Movement Disorders
Jung E Park1, Ji-Yi Hong2, Su-Young Lee2
1Department of Neurology, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital.
The Neurologist
|November 4, 2021
Summary
Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) did not outperform sham tDCS for functional movement disorder (FMD). However, combining tDCS with yoga showed mild symptom improvement in FMD patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Functional movement disorder (FMD) presents significant treatment challenges.
- FMD is a conversion disorder characterized by involuntary movements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with yoga for FMD.
- To assess the impact of tDCS on the right temporoparietal junction in FMD patients.
Main Methods:
- Five FMD patients received both anodal and sham tDCS with a 3-week washout period.
- Yoga was incorporated as an exercise modality and to augment potential neuroplastic changes from tDCS.
Main Results:
- Anodal tDCS was not superior to sham tDCS in reducing FMD symptoms or disability.
- A combination of tDCS and yoga suggested mild clinical improvement in four subjects based on the efficacy index of Clinical Global Impression.
Conclusions:
- Anodal tDCS alone did not demonstrate superiority over sham tDCS for symptom relief in FMD.
- Limited study size and stimulation frequency restrict interpretation; further research with more frequent sessions is warranted.
