Neuromodulation Interventions in Paediatric Neurological Disorders: A Contemporary Review of Scientific Advancements

Singh SR, Bhattacharjee S and Udupa K

Published on: 2024-03-28

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the scope of neuromodulation interventions in addressing paediatric neurological disorders, overview the existing evidence, and suggest possible future research directions to address the associated challenges.

Method: A literature review on paediatric neuromodulation studies using public databases was conducted. Keywords like "transcranial magnetic stimulation," "transcranial direct current stimulation," and "vagus nerve stimulation" were searched, along with specific conditions. The analysis focused on brain stimulation methods, patient characteristics, neurological symptoms, study design, stimulation parameters, and brain imaging data. Studies with healthy subjects or non-human animals were excluded. The review considered small-scale studies due to the limited large randomised controlled trials available.

Result: The comprehensive analysis delves into the scientific evidence surrounding neuromodulation interventions for paediatric neurological disorders, including Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Motor Speech Disorder. It addresses the challenges and ethical considerations inherent to the field, emphasising the necessity of personalised approaches and long-term safety assessments. Additionally, potential future research directions were proposed to address these challenges.

Conclusion: The review seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of neuromodulation's significance in paediatric neurological care. It explores the future trajectory of neuromodulation in this field, offering insights into potential breakthroughs and emerging paradigms.