title: Evaluation of the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and psychosensory stimulation through DOCS scale in a minimally conscious subject.
abstract: The aim of our study was to assess the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on alertness improvement in a patient in a minimally conscious state (MCS) by means of disorders of consciousness scale combined with psycho-sensory stimulation. The effects of tDCS on muscle hypertonia through the Ashworth scale were also examined. tDCS was performed through a two-channel intra-cephalic stimulator. After stimulation, the patient followed a psychosensory stimulation training. Results pointed out an increase in DOCunit score, as well as an increase in alertness maintenance and an improvement in muscle hypertonia, although a MCS state persisted.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , University of Turin , Torin , Italy.
authors.forename: Danilo
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dimitri
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , University of Turin , Torin , Italy.
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: De Filippis
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , University of Turin , Torin , Italy.|b Brain Imaging Group , University of Turin , Torin , Italy.
authors.forename: Valentina
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Galetto
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , University of Turin , Torin , Italy.|b Brain Imaging Group , University of Turin , Torin , Italy.
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zettin
mesh_terms: D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D009122:Muscle Hypertonia / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D018458:Persistent Vegetative State / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D066191:Sensorimotor Cortex / Q000502:physiology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D065908:Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Minimally Conscious State (MCS); frontothalamocerebellar circuit; individualized protocol; psychosensory stimulation; tDCS