TY - JOUR

T1 - Brain stimulation studies of non-motor cerebellar function

T2 - A systematic review

AU - Tomlinson, Simon P.

AU - Davis, Nick J.

AU - Bracewell, R. Martyn

PY - 2013/6

Y1 - 2013/6

N2 - Evidence for a cerebellar role in non-motor functions has been demonstrated by clinical and neuroimaging research. These approaches do not allow causal relationships to be inferred though the experimental manipulation of the cerebellum. Transcranial magnetic and current stimulation may allow better understanding of the cerebellum via the temporary alteration of its operation in healthy volunteers. This review examined all studies of the cerebellar role in non-motor functions using non-invasive brain stimulation. Of 7585 papers captured by an initial search, 26 met specific selection criteria. Analysis revealed behavioural effects across learning, memory, cognition, emotional processing, perception and timing, though the results were not sufficiently similar as to offer a definitive statement of the cerebellum's role. The non-invasive application of stimulation to the cerebellum presents challenges due to surrounding anatomy and the relatively small target areas involved. This review analysed the methods used to address these challenges with a view to suggesting methodological improvements for the establishment of standards for the location of cerebellar stimulation targets and appropriate levels of stimulation. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

AB - Evidence for a cerebellar role in non-motor functions has been demonstrated by clinical and neuroimaging research. These approaches do not allow causal relationships to be inferred though the experimental manipulation of the cerebellum. Transcranial magnetic and current stimulation may allow better understanding of the cerebellum via the temporary alteration of its operation in healthy volunteers. This review examined all studies of the cerebellar role in non-motor functions using non-invasive brain stimulation. Of 7585 papers captured by an initial search, 26 met specific selection criteria. Analysis revealed behavioural effects across learning, memory, cognition, emotional processing, perception and timing, though the results were not sufficiently similar as to offer a definitive statement of the cerebellum's role. The non-invasive application of stimulation to the cerebellum presents challenges due to surrounding anatomy and the relatively small target areas involved. This review analysed the methods used to address these challenges with a view to suggesting methodological improvements for the establishment of standards for the location of cerebellar stimulation targets and appropriate levels of stimulation. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

KW - Cerebellum

KW - Current

KW - Magnetic

KW - Non-motor

KW - Stimulation

KW - Transcranial

U2 - 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.03.001

DO - 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.03.001

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 23500608

VL - 37

SP - 766

EP - 789

JO - Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews

JF - Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews

SN - 0149-7634

IS - 5

ER -