The Use of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy as a Tool for the Measurement of Bi-hemispheric Transcranial Electric Stimulation Effects on Primary Motor Cortex Metabolism |
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Authors: | Sara Tremblay Vincent Beaulé Sébastien Proulx Louis-Philippe Lafleur Julien Doyon Ma?gorzata Marjańska Hugo Théoret |
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Institution: | 1.Department of Psychology, University of Montréal;2.Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University;3.Center for Magnetic Resonance Research and Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota |
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Abstract: | Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulation technique that has been increasingly used over the past decade in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders such as stroke and depression. Yet, the mechanisms underlying its ability to modulate brain excitability to improve clinical symptoms remains poorly understood 33. To help improve this understanding, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) can be used as it allows the in vivo quantification of brain metabolites such as γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate in a region-specific manner 41. In fact, a recent study demonstrated that 1H-MRS is indeed a powerful means to better understand the effects of tDCS on neurotransmitter concentration 34. This article aims to describe the complete protocol for combining tDCS (NeuroConn MR compatible stimulator) with 1H-MRS at 3 T using a MEGA-PRESS sequence. We will describe the impact of a protocol that has shown great promise for the treatment of motor dysfunctions after stroke, which consists of bilateral stimulation of primary motor cortices 27,30,31. Methodological factors to consider and possible modifications to the protocol are also discussed. |
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Keywords: | Neuroscience Issue 93 proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy transcranial direct current stimulation primary motor cortex GABA glutamate stroke |
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