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Review
. 2024 Apr 28;12(5):972.
doi: 10.3390/biomedicines12050972.

Relationship between Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation and Autonomic Nervous System

Giovanni Messina  1 , Antonietta Monda  2 , Antonietta Messina  1 , Girolamo Di Maio  1 , Vincenzo Monda  3 , Pierpaolo Limone  4 , Anna Dipace  4 , Marcellino Monda  1 , Rita Polito  5 , Fiorenzo Moscatelli  6
Affiliations
Review

Relationship between Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation and Autonomic Nervous System

Giovanni Messina et al. Biomedicines. .

Abstract

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) approaches have seen a rise in utilization in both clinical and basic neuroscience in recent years. Here, we concentrate on the two methods that have received the greatest research: transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Both approaches have yielded pertinent data regarding the cortical excitability in subjects in good health as well as pertinent advancements in the management of various clinical disorders. NIBS is a helpful method for comprehending the cortical control of the ANS. Previous research has shown that there are notable changes in muscular sympathetic nerve activity when the motor cortex is modulated. Furthermore, in NIBS investigations, the ANS has been employed more frequently as an outcome measure to comprehend the overall impacts of these methods, including their safety profile. Though there is ample proof that brain stimulation has autonomic effects on animals, new research on the connection between NIBS and the ANS has produced contradictory findings. In order to better understand NIBS processes and ANS function, it is crucial to take into account the reciprocal relationship that exists between central modulation and ANS function.

Keywords: ANS; HRV; TMS; heart rate variability; non-invasive brain stimulation; rTMS; tDCS.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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