Has anyone tried, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, as a post stroke help?

Hi Caz and thanks for your question!

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is mentioned in a few places in our rehabilitation guidelines. Unfortunately, though, the recommendations are that it not be used for the following:

• Activities of daily living – Weak recommendation AGAINST

  Brain stimulation (transcranial direct stimulation or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) should not be used in routine practice to improve activities of daily living and only used as part of a research framework.

• Arm activity – Weak recommendation AGAINST

  Brain stimulation (transcranial direct stimulation or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) should not be used in routine practice for improving arm function, and only used as part of a research framework.

• Aphasia – Weak recommendation AGAINST

  Brain stimulation (transcranial direct current stimulation or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation), with or without traditional aphasia therapy, is not recommended in routine practice for improving speech and language function in chronic patients with aphasia and only used as part of a research framework.

Studies so far have shown inconsistent results, although there seems to be some promising research more recently. However, one of the big barriers is that it’s not widely available, hence the recommendation that until there is more convincing evidence it’s best used in the context of research.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to say how to find such research if you’re interested in being involved. We do have one listed on our website, Brain stimulation for post-stroke aphasia, but it’s in South Australia. A search at https://www.australianclinicaltrials.gov.au/ shows a number of trials underway using transcranial magnetic stimulation for various conditions, but not for stroke.

Having said all that, there is one area where it is used, and that’s in treating post-stroke depression. Also from our clinical guidelines:

• Treatment for depression – Weak recommendation FOR

  For stroke survivors with depression, non-invasive brain stimulation (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation [rTMS]) may be used.

So it does depend on what specific issues you need help with, and what the evidence shows for that condition.

If you would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our friendly health professionals on StrokeLine 1800 787 653 or email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au. We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AEDST.

Kind regards,

Kath (StrokeLine)