Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation for Brain Disorders

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Neurotechnology and Neuroimaging".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 798

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Guest Editor
Neuronal Networks Morphology and System Biology Laboratory, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
Interests: neuroscience; neuroanatomy; clinical neurology; clinical neurophysiology; non-invasive brain stimulation; TMS; neurodegenerative disorders
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), have rapidly evolved from experimental tools to promising therapeutic interventions for a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Historically rooted in neurophysiology, NIBS now stands at the forefront of neuromodulation research, offering potential relief where conventional treatments fall short.

This Special Issue aims to showcase the latest advancements in NIBS, focusing on its clinical applications, mechanistic insights, and emerging methodologies. We seek to highlight cutting-edge research that bridges basic science and clinical practice, advancing our understanding of brain function and dysfunction.

We invite original research articles, reviews, and methodological papers that explore novel stimulation protocols, personalized approaches, multimodal integration, and long-term outcomes in various brain disorders. Contributions that address both efficacy and safety, as well as those integrating neuroimaging or computational modeling, are especially encouraged.

Dr. Giovanni Cirillo
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • TMS
  • tCS
  • NIBS
  • plasticity
  • CNS
  • neurological disorders
  • psychiatric disorders

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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14 pages, 593 KB  
Study Protocol
Accelerated Optimized Protocol of Intermittent Theta-Burst Stimulation for Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia (ACTh-NS): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Study Design
by Ivan Taiar, July Silveira Gomes, Lucas Jorge, Carolina Ziebold, André Fernandes, Renan Biokino, Pedro Lorencetti, André Brunoni and Ary Gadelha
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(9), 1021; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15091021 - 22 Sep 2025
Viewed by 638
Abstract
Introduction: Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) has been associated with improvements in the negative symptoms (NSs) of schizophrenia. However, optimizing by shorter protocols remains necessary. Furthermore, understanding their impact on other clinical symptoms, sleep, and autonomic regulation is important to underlying therapeutic effects. [...] Read more.
Introduction: Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) has been associated with improvements in the negative symptoms (NSs) of schizophrenia. However, optimizing by shorter protocols remains necessary. Furthermore, understanding their impact on other clinical symptoms, sleep, and autonomic regulation is important to underlying therapeutic effects. Objectives: Evaluate the efficacy of an accelerated iTBS protocol on reducing NSs in patients with schizophrenia. We hypothesize a 20% reduction in BNSS scores in the active group, as well as improvements in disorder-related aspects, including sleep patterns, symptoms severity, and cognition. Methods: A double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial design will be conducted to test the effects of the accelerated iTBS protocol in 60 participants with schizophrenia (30 active and 30 sham) with moderate NSs. iTBS protocol will consist of four daily sessions, with 600 pulses per session for five consecutive days. Patients will be assessed at three time points (baseline, after intervention and 30 days follow up) for clinical symptoms, cognition and heart rate variability. The primary outcome will be negative symptoms using the Brief Negative Symptom Scale (BNSS). Study register: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (CAEE: 71102823.4.0000.5505). Conclusions: The accelerated iTBS protocol has demonstrated promising effects on NSs. However, it is still necessary to establish an effective and feasible high-dosage protocol. This study will contribute to optimizing therapeutic protocols for schizophrenia, with a particular focus on clinical applicability. Additionally, it will provide an opportunity to deepen the understanding of the physiological effects of neuromodulation, contributing to the understanding of its underlying mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation for Brain Disorders)
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