Effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with transcranial direct current stimulation on post-stroke dysmnesia: A preliminary study

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study examined the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a bimodal neuromodulatory approach for post-stroke dysmnesia. MethodsThirty-four patients with post-stroke dysmnesia were randomly allocated into a sham group treated with neither rTMS nor tDCS, a group treated with rTMS, and a group treated with a combination of rTMS and tDCS. All three groups received cognitive rehabilitation training for 4 weeks. The memory function of each group before and after the intervention was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test (RBMT) scales, as well as in terms of the Mismatch Negativity（MMN）and P300 of event-related potentials. ResultsThe sham, rTMS, and rTMS–tDCS groups all showed improvement in the total MoCA score after the intervention. Delayed recall, a MoCA item, scored better in the rTMS–tDCS group than in the rTMS and sham groups. Delayed processing, an RBMT item, scored better in the rTMS–tDCS combination group than in the rTMS and sham groups. MMN and P300 latency was significantly shorter in the rTMS–tDCS combination group. ConclusionrTMS–tDCS bimodal stimulation was more effective than cognitive rehabilitation or rTMS alone in treating patients with post-stroke dysmnesia, offering new possibilities for enhancing cognitive function and treating post-stroke dysmnesia.