Bibliometric Analysis of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Therapy for Post-Stroke Unilateral Neglect

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Unilateral neglect (UN) is a common, disabling cognitive disorder post-stroke, hindering functional recovery.
• Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) presents a promising therapeutic avenue for UN.
• Understanding the research landscape of NIBS for post-stroke UN is crucial for clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the development status, research hotspots, and future trends of NIBS in treating post-stroke UN.
• To provide evidence-based references for clinical practitioners regarding NIBS interventions.
• To map the global research output and key contributors in this field.

Main Methods:

• Bibliometric analysis of 103 articles on NIBS for post-stroke UN from Web of Science Core Collection.
• Visualization of collaborations using VOSviewer and SCImago Graphica.
• Analysis of keyword evolution, co-cited references, and temporal trends using CiteSpace and R language.

Main Results:

• Annual publications show an upward trend, with the United States leading in volume and citations.
• Johns Hopkins University and researchers Hillis and Argye E. are prominent contributors.
• Key intervention keywords include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS), and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS).

Conclusions:

• NIBS techniques like TMS and tDCS are established interventions for post-stroke UN.
• Research focuses on validating efficacy and exploring synergistic effects with other therapies.
• Emerging techniques (GVS, tACS) and early intervention strategies warrant further investigation for clinical application.