Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to improve mood and motor function in Parkinson's disease

J Neurol Sci. 2006 Oct 25;248(1-2):84-96. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2006.05.009. Epub 2006 Jun 21.

Abstract

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that can produce lasting changes in excitability and activity in cortical regions underneath the stimulation coil (local effect), but also within functionally connected cortical or subcortical regions (remote effects). Since the clinical presentation of Parkinson's disease (PD) is related to abnormal neuronal activity within the basal ganglia and cortical regions, including the primary motor cortex, the premotor cortex and the prefrontal cortex, several studies have used rTMS to improve brain function in PD. Here, we review the studies that have investigated the possible therapeutic effects of rTMS on mood and motor function in PD patients. We highlight some methodological inconsistencies and problems, including the difficulty to define the most effective protocol for rTMS or to establish an appropriate placebo condition. We finally propose future directions of research that may help to improve the therapeutic efficacy of rTMS in PD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Affect / radiation effects*
  • Humans
  • Motor Activity / radiation effects*
  • Motor Cortex / physiopathology
  • Motor Cortex / radiation effects
  • Parkinson Disease / physiopathology*
  • Parkinson Disease / therapy*
  • Review Literature as Topic
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation*