Effect of non-invasive brain stimulation in children with acquired brain injury-a scoping review

Children and young people (CYP) with acquired brain injury (ABI) require early and effective neurorehabilitation to improve long-term functional outcomes. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), have been used to improve motor and sensory skills for children with cerebral palsy. However, there is limited evidence supporting its use in CYP with ABI.

To systematically review the TMS and tDCS intervention effects on motor, sensory and other functional issues in CYP with ABI as reported in the literature.

A comprehensive online bibliographic databases search was performed in various databases using keywords related to NIBS and CYP with ABI. Studies that examine the effect of NIBS intervention on motor function and other functional difficulties either as a primary or secondary objective were included in this review.

Fourteen studies (10 single case reports, one retrospective analysis, one case series, one randomised and one quasi-randomised controlled trial) published between 2006 and 2023 were identified. These studies examined the use of NIBS to manage motor disorders, hearing, vision, headaches, speech and language and memory issues. Seventy-six children with mild to severe ABI had received NIBS. The session frequency (3-20), duration (10-45 min) was variable, and NIBS delivered between 3 and 28 days.

The literature describing NIBS interventions in CYP with ABI is scarce. An insufficient number of studies, inadequate information reported in them, and small sample sizes limit the ability to conclude how effective NIBS is in improving motor function and other functional issues in this cohort. Further studies are therefore necessary to examine the therapeutic effects of NIBS to manage various functional problems in the CYP with ABI.