Cerebello-Spinal tDCS as Rehabilitative Intervention in Neurodegenerative Ataxia

Cerebellar ataxias are a heterogenous group of degenerative disorders for which we currently lack effective and disease-modifying interventions. The field of non-invasive brain stimulation has made much progress in the development of specific stimulation protocols to modulate cerebellar excitability and try to restore the physiological activity of the cerebellum in patients with ataxia. In light of limited evidence-based pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment options for patients with ataxia, several different non-invasive brain stimulation protocols have emerged, particularly employing transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) techniques. In this chapter, we summarize the most relevant tDCS therapeutic trials and discuss their implications in the care of patients with degenerative ataxias.