Noninvasive brain stimulation in rehabilitation of hemispatial neglect after stroke

Background Noninvasive brain stimulation can modulate neural processing within the motor cortex and thereby might be beneficial in the rehabilitation of hemispatial neglect after stroke. Methods We review the pertinent literature regarding the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation in order to facilitate recovery of hemispatial neglect after stroke. Results Twenty controlled trials (including 443 stroke patients) matched our inclusion criteria. Methodology and results of each study are presented in a comparative approach. Current data seem to indicate a better efficiency of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, compared to tDCS to ameliorate hemispatial neglect after stroke. Conclusions Noninvasive brain stimulation has the potential to facilitate recovery of hemispatial neglect after stroke, but until today, there are not enough data to claim its routine use.