The clinical efficacy of treating autistic children using transcranial direct current stimulation
10.3760/cma.j.issn.0254-1424.2021.08.014
- VernacularTitle:基于失匹配负波的经颅直流电刺激治疗自闭症儿童的疗效观察
- Author:
Changcheng SUN
1
;
Chunfang WANG
;
Rong TIAN
;
Zhuoyue ZHAO
;
Wenchang ZHAO
;
Ying ZHANG
;
Jingang DU
Author Information
1. 天津市人民医院康复医学科，天津 300121
- Keywords:
Autism;
Transcranial direct current stimulation;
Electroencephalography;
Mismatch negativity;
Behavior
- From:
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
2021;43(8):729-734
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To investigate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the behavior and the mismatch negativity (MMN) component of the auditory evoked potential of autistic children.Methods:Thirty-four autistic children were randomly divided into an anode stimulation group ( n=19) and a pseudo-stimulation group ( n=16). Both groups were given one hour of routine rehabilitation five times a week for 4 weeks, while the anode stimulation group was additionally provided with 20 minutes of tDCS 3 times a week. Before and after the treatment, both groups′ behavior was evaluated by using autism behavior checklist (ABC) as well as any changes in MMN of the auditory evoked EEG signals. Results:There were no significant differences between the two groups in any of the measurements before the treatment. Afterwards behavior had improved significantly in both groups, with significantly greater improvement in the stimulated group. In the stimulated group the average MMN amplitude had increased significantly and the average latency had decreased significantly. However, no such significant changes were observed in the pseudo-stimulation group. There was a significant linear correlation between the changes in the incubation period of MMN components and the improvements in ABC, vestibular functioning, tactile defense and proprioception.Conclusion:Anodal tDCS combined with conventional rehabilitation therapy can effectively increase the MMN amplitude and shorten the latency in autistic children, improving their brain function.
