title: Sites of electrical stimulation used in neurology.
abstract: Rehabilitation aims to decrease neurological impairments, in guiding plasticity. Electrical stimulation has been used for many years in rehabilitation treatment of neurological disabilities as a tool for neuromodulation inducing plasticity, although the mechanisms of its action are not well known. The applications vary, encompassing therapeutic and rehabilitative aims. The type and site of stimulation vary depending on the objectives. Some techniques are widely used in clinical practice; others are still in the research stage. They may be invasive, epidural or in direct contact with neurons; they may be noninvasive, applied transcutaneously or indirectly by current vectors. The indications vary: mobility, functionality, pain as well as pharyngeal, respiratory, and perineal function. This paper aims to summarize current data on electrical neuromodulation techniques used in neurorehabilitation, their effects and their mechanisms of action.
authors.affiliation: Inserm U 825, CHU Purpan, Pavillon Baudot, place du Dr-Baylac, 31024 Toulouse cedex 3, France; Service de Médecine Physique et Réadaptation, CHU Rangueil, 1, avenue Jean-Poulhès, TSA 50032, 31059 Toulouse cedex 9, France. Electronic address: castel-lacanal.e@chu-toulouse.fr.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Castel-Lacanal
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation; D053201:Urinary Bladder, Overactive / Q000534:rehabilitation
keywords: Electrical stimulation; Neuromodulation; Plasticity; Spinal cord; Stroke