Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Outcome of Patients with Acute Ischemic Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke

Abstract Background Stroke continues to hold its position as the second most prevalent cause of death and stands as a prominent contributor to depression and dementia on a worldwide scale. In the absence of adequate care, individuals who have experienced a stroke face an elevated susceptibility to dependency on caregivers and encounter significant limitations in their ability to engage in societal activities. The rescue of penumbral tissue through early reperfusion correlates with proportionate clinical recuperation. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is being explored as a promising therapeutic approach for various neurological conditions, including the management of strokes. Our objective was to investigate the impact of cathodal tDCS on patients who have recently suffered a stroke affecting the middle cerebral artery. Methods Egyptian patients with middle cerebral artery strokes were randomly allocated into active and sham tDCs groups after stroke onset. Results No difference regarding age, gender, risk factors or final clinical outcome. Conclusion Earlier application of tDCS may be beneficial.