Effects of Multiple Sessions of Direct Current Brain Stimulation (tDCS) on Dysarthria Rehabilitation: A Scientific Review and Case Description

Abstract

Maria Luisa Capuana, Sofia Mandala, Alessandra Saraniti, Sofia Tomasello and Giorgio Mandala*

Objective: To evaluate the effects of multiple sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with speech ther-apy on dysarthria rehabilitation in a patient with acquired brain injury.

Introduction: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique capable of modulating cortical excitability and influencing cognitive functioning. One major limitation of this method is the transient nature of its neuro-modulatory effects, which aim to promote neuroplasticity mechanisms. Emerging evidence suggests that repeated sessions are necessary to achieve sustained therapeutic outcomes.

Materials and Methods: We present the case of a 57-year-old male patient with tetraparesis and dysarthria resulting from organo-phosphate poisoning, who underwent a neuromodulation protocol consisting of multiple cycles of tDCS combined with speech therapy. Severity of dysarthria was assessed using the Italian version of the Bogenhausen Dysarthria Scales (BoDyS) at baseline and following each treatment cycle (T0–T4) [1].

Results: The patient tolerated the tDCS sessions well, with no reported adverse events. At baseline, speech intelligibility was severely compromised. Over a four-month treatment period, progressive improvements in phonation and articulation were documented. Quantitative evaluation showed BoDyS scores above 27 in all domains except prosody, which remained moderately impaired.

Conclusion: This case suggests that when integrated with multidisciplinary rehabilitation, tDCS may support functional recovery in dysarthria. These findings encourage further validation through randomized controlled trials to establish efficacy and guide treat-ment protocols.

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