Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2025
Non-Invasive Modulation and Robotic Mapping of Motor Cortex in the Developing Brain
Published on: July 1, 2019
Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Systematic Review
Sergi López-Rodríguez1, David R A Coelho1, Christian Renet1
1Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (López-Rodríguez, Coelho, Renet, Vieira, Cassano, Camprodon); Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (López-Rodríguez); Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Coelho, Vieira, Cassano, Camprodon); Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (Renet); Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, N.Y. (Tural).
Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) shows promise for treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms. Further research is needed to confirm efficacy and safety for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) encompass a range of conditions impacting brain development, leading to cognitive, social, and behavioral impairments.
- Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques offer potential therapeutic avenues for NDDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the literature on the efficacy and safety of NIBS in NDDs.
- To evaluate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) for NDDs.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, PsycInfo, Scopus).
- PRISMA guidelines and a registered protocol were followed to identify 23 relevant double-blind, sham-controlled RCTs.
- Studies focused on conditions including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and dyslexia.
Main Results:
- TMS demonstrated potential for improving hyperactivity, inattention, and working memory in ADHD, with outcomes varying by coil type and stimulation site.
- tDCS showed promise for enhancing inattention and executive function in ADHD but had limited effects on ASD and dyslexia symptom severity.
- Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) specifically reduced irritability in ASD.
- Adverse effects were generally mild and transient, but isolated seizure events underscore safety considerations, particularly in NDDs with epilepsy comorbidities.
Conclusions:
- Certain NIBS protocols show potential therapeutic benefits for specific NDD symptoms.
- High variability in study methodologies, small sample sizes, and potential bias necessitate further rigorous research.
- Clarifying the therapeutic efficacy and safety profile of NIBS in NDD populations requires continued investigation.
