Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A Injections for Treatment of Upper Limb Intention Tremor in Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Report

Abstract

Upper limb intention tremor is a common cause of disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is an emerging form of brain stimulation used to improve sensorimotor impairments in many neurological disorders. Here, we describe a combined therapeutic approach with botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) and tDCS for the treatment of upper limb tremor in a patient with MS. We administered a cathodal tDCS 15 days after the injections of BoNT-A. Both post-injection and post-stimulation evaluation revealed a considerable improvement of the tremor. This approach positively affected the patient’s activities of daily living. Our case report shows a safe and beneficial effect of tDCS in the treatment of action tremor in MS especially as a possible adjunctive synergic treatment with BoNT-A injections.

Keywords

• transcranial direct current stimulation
• botulinum neurotoxin type a
• multiple sclerosis
• tremor
• surface electromyography