Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Action Naming in Aphasia Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review and...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Anomia, difficulty retrieving words (especially action verbs), is a common challenge post-stroke.
• Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is increasingly explored for language processing and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the efficacy of rTMS in addressing action-verb deficits in post-stroke aphasia.

Main Methods:

• Searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases (1996-2024).
• Included studies focused on rTMS for action naming rehabilitation in post-stroke aphasia, some combined with speech-language therapy.
• 10 studies were included in this systematic review.

Main Results:

• The reviewed studies indicate that rTMS has potential for improving verb retrieval in post-stroke aphasia.
• While significant improvements were not consistently observed, notable progress was documented before and after intervention.

Conclusions:

• rTMS demonstrates promise as a therapeutic modality for action-verb deficits in post-stroke aphasia.
• Further research is necessary to optimize language recovery strategies for this population.