The Utility of Transcranial Electrical Stimulation in Patients with Memory and Emotion Disorders after Brain Damage – Current Scientific Data and Own Experiences
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15225/PNN.2025.14.4.6Keywords
cognitive rehabilitation, emotional disorders, head injury, neurorehabilitation, stroke, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and cerebrovascular incidents (CVA) lead to numerous neurological deficits, including cognitive and emotional deficits. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is gaining prominence as a method to help rehabilitate cognitive function and regulate emotions, offering a non-invasive and safe therapeutic approach. The aim of this paper is to analyze the current scientific data and own experiences according to the effectiveness of tDCS in the rehabilitation of patients after TBI and CVA with memory and emotion disorders. A literature review (2015–2024) was conducted, including clinical trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science). The papers on the use of tDCS in the modulation of cognitive and emotional functions in neurological patients were analyzed. Particular attention was paid to the mechanisms of tDCS action, stimulation protocols (intensity, electrode location, treatment time), and clinical outcomes in terms of memory improvement, emotion regulation, and reduction of depressive symptoms. Studies indicate a beneficial effect of tDCS on neuronal plasticity and cognitive and emotional functions of patients after TBI and CVA. Combined therapy (tDCS and rehabilitation) shows greater effectiveness than traditional methods, leading to faster improvement of working memory, reduction of emotional lability and reduction of depression symptoms. It has also been shown that the effectiveness of tDCS depends on the location of electrodes and individual patient characteristics. The best results were obtained with protocols including 20–30 minute sessions at 1–2 mA intensity, conducted 5 times a week for 3 to 6 weeks. Anodal stimulation over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) or motor cortex (M1) was the most commonly used method, resulting in significant improvement in both cognitive functioning and emotion regulation. tDCS treatments are a promising tool supporting neurorehabilitation of patients with memory and emotional disorders after brain injury. Combining tDCS with speech therapy may contribute to more effective restoration of cognitive and emotional functions. Further studies are needed to optimize stimulation parameters and standardize therapeutic protocols. (JNNN 2025;14(4):182–192)
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Copyright (c) 2025 Marta Szczepańska, Zofia Twardochleb, Adam Druszcz, Maciej Miś, Marcin Miś, Małgorzata Paprocka-Borowicz, Joanna Rosińczuk
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