Effectiveness of training before unsedated MRI scans in young children: a randomized control trial.

Background: Young children requiring clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be given general anesthesia. General anesthesia has potential side effects, is costly, and introduces logistical challenges. Thus, methods that allow children to undergo awake MRI scans are desirable.

Transcranial direct current stimulation for children with perinatal stroke and hemiparesis.

Objective: To determine whether the addition of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to intensive therapy increases motor function in children with perinatal stroke and hemiparetic cerebral palsy.

Methods: This was a randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Participants were recruited from a population-based cohort with MRI-classified unilateral perinatal stroke, age of 6 to 18 years, and disabling hemiparesis.

Brain stimulation and constraint for perinatal stroke hemiparesis: The PLASTIC CHAMPS Trial.

Objective: To determine whether the addition of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and/or constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) to intensive therapy increases motor function in children with perinatal stroke and hemiparesis.

Methods: A factorial-design, blinded, randomized controlled trial (clinicaltrials.gov/NCT01189058) assessed rTMS and CIMT effects in hemiparetic children (aged 6-19 years) with MRI-confirmed perinatal stroke.