Advances in Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 5587

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
2. Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
Interests: cerebrovascular diseases; cognitive impairment and dementia; neuropsychiatric disorders; sleep disorders; gluten-related neuropathology; clinical neurophysiology; transcranial magnetic stimulation; neurosonology; neuroplasticity; translational neurosciences
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

From the pioneering application of transcranial magnetic stimulation, many different, innovative methods of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) have attracted both clinicians and researchers.

NIBS techniques were first developed for the assessment and modulation of synaptic plasticity; however, when they were integrated with other neurophysiological methods (e.g., electroencephalography—EEG) or structural and functional imaging, NIBS techniques were found to enable the exploration of connectivity and more advanced neuroplastic phenomena across both motor and non-motor areas.

As such, NIBS techniques are emerging as some of the most innovative and translational tools for the assessment and treatment of several neuropsychiatric disorders worldwide, including depression, dementia, and stroke. In the near future, interventions aiming to enhance neuroplasticity should receive further attention; such progress could enable the inclusion of other neurological disorders, such as sleep disorders or metabolic and rare diseases with insidious central nervous system involvement.

This Special Issue aims to encourage and collect original research, review articles, and case series addressing recent evidence on clinical applications of NIBS techniques in humans and, at the same time, to highlight current challenges and technical issues in the “cutting-edge” topic of NIBS research. In this exciting scenario, special attention should be paid to innovative NIBS protocols, the link to genetic patterns, and the interaction with drugs acting on multiple neurotransmission pathways.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Life.

Dr. Mariagiovanna Cantone
Dr. Giuseppe Lanza
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • translational neuroscience
  • clinical neurophysiology
  • neurodegeneration
  • neural plasticity
  • neurosonology
  • sleep disorders
  • cognitive decline
  • non-invasive brain stimulation
  • nutraceuticals
  • neurogenetics
  • transcranial magnetic stimulation
  • dementia
  • vascular cognitive impairment
  • stroke
  • depression
  • metaplasticity
  • motor cortex
  • motor learning
  • neurotrophins
  • transcranial-focused ultrasound

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1423 KiB  
Article
Frontal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Moderate to Severe Depression: Clinical and Neurophysiological Findings from a Pilot Study
by Florin Zamfirache, Gabriela Prundaru, Cristina Dumitru and Beatrice Mihaela Radu
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(6), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15060540 - 22 May 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) has proven to be a promising intervention for major depressive disorder (MDD). Even so, the specific neurophysiological mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects, particularly regarding frontal EEG markers, remain insufficiently understood. This pilot study investigated both the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) has proven to be a promising intervention for major depressive disorder (MDD). Even so, the specific neurophysiological mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects, particularly regarding frontal EEG markers, remain insufficiently understood. This pilot study investigated both the clinical efficacy and neurophysiological impact of frontal tDCS in individuals with mild to severe depression, with particular focus on mood changes and alterations in Frontal Alpha Asymmetry (FAA), Beta Symmetry, and Theta/Alpha Ratios at the F3 and F4 electrode sites. Methods: A total of thirty–one participants were enrolled and completed a standardized Flow Neuroscience tDCS protocol targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex using a bilateral F3/F4 montage. The intervention included an active phase of five stimulations per week for three weeks, followed by a Strengthening Phase with two stimulations per week. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), while neurophysiological changes were evaluated via standardized quantitative EEG (QEEG) recordings obtained before and after the treatment course. Among the participants, fourteen individuals had a baseline MADRS score of ≥20, indicating moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Results: Following tDCS treatment, significant reductions in MADRS scores were observed across the cohort, with clinical response rates notably higher in the moderate/severe group (71.4%) compared to the mild depression group (20.0%). Neurophysiological effects were modest: no significant changes were detected in FAA or Beta Symmetry measures. However, a substantial reduction in the Theta/Alpha Ratio at F4 was found in participants with moderate to severe depression (p = 0.018, Cohen’s d = −0.72), suggesting enhanced frontal cortical activation associated with clinical improvement. Conclusions: These findings indicate that frontal tDCS is effective in reducing depressive symptoms, particularly in cases of moderate to severe depression. While improvements in FAA and Beta Symmetry were not significant, changes in the Theta/Alpha Ratio at F4 point toward dynamic neurophysiological reorganization potentially linked to therapeutic outcomes. The Theta/Alpha Ratio may serve as a promising biomarker for tracking tDCS response, whereas other EEG metrics might represent more stable trait characteristics. Future research should prioritize individualized stimulation protocols and incorporate more sensitive neurophysiological assessments, including functional connectivity analyses and task-evoked EEG paradigms, to understand the mechanisms underlying clinical improvements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation)
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Review

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23 pages, 3425 KiB  
Review
Engineering and Technological Advancements in Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS): A Five-Year Review
by Abigail Tubbs and Enrique Alvarez Vazquez
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(11), 1092; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14111092 - 30 Oct 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4620
Abstract
In the past five years, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has evolved significantly, driven by advancements in device design, treatment protocols, software integration, and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). This review evaluates how these innovations enhance the safety, efficacy, and accessibility of rTMS while identifying [...] Read more.
In the past five years, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has evolved significantly, driven by advancements in device design, treatment protocols, software integration, and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). This review evaluates how these innovations enhance the safety, efficacy, and accessibility of rTMS while identifying key challenges such as protocol standardization and ethical considerations. A structured review of peer-reviewed studies from 2019 to 2024 focused on technological and clinical advancements in rTMS, including AI-driven personalized treatments, portable devices, and integrated BCIs. AI algorithms have optimized patient-specific protocols, while portable devices have expanded access. Enhanced coil designs and BCI integration offer more precise and adaptive neuromodulation. However, challenges remain in standardizing protocols, addressing device complexity, and ensuring equitable access. While recent innovations improve rTMS’s clinical utility, gaps in long-term efficacy and ethical concerns persist. Future research must prioritize standardization, accessibility, and robust ethical frameworks to ensure rTMS’s sustainable impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation)
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