Cerebellar Cortex as a Therapeutic Target for Neurostimulation

Cerebellum. 2018 Dec;17(6):777-787. doi: 10.1007/s12311-018-0976-8.

Abstract

Non-invasive stimulation of the cerebellum is growingly applied both in the clinic and in research settings to modulate the activities of cerebello-cerebral loops. The anatomical location of the cerebellum, the high responsiveness of the cerebellar cortex to magnetic/electrical stimuli, and the implication of the cerebellum in numerous cerebello-cerebral networks make the cerebellum an ideal target for investigations and therapeutic purposes. In this mini-review, we discuss the potentials of cerebellar neuromodulation in major brain disorders in order to encourage large-scale sham-controlled research and explore this therapeutic aid further.

Keywords: Cerebellar cortex; Purkinje neuron; Therapy; Transcranial direct stimulation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Diseases / physiopathology
  • Brain Diseases / therapy*
  • Cerebellar Cortex* / physiopathology
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy*
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / physiopathology
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Movement Disorders / physiopathology
  • Movement Disorders / therapy*