Repetitive TMS temporarily alters brain diffusion

Neurology. 2003 May 13;60(9):1539-41. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000058903.15205.46.

Abstract

The authors investigated whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) at 1 Hz (12 minutes; 90% of motor threshold) to the primary motor cortex (M1) leads to changes in diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). After the rTMS train, there was a temporary small restriction in diffusion within the targeted left M1 that disappeared after 5 minutes. These findings provide a physiologic correlate to the reported behavioral consequences of off-line 1-Hz rTMS and reveal the transitory nature of the effects.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diffusion
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Magnetics*
  • Male
  • Motor Cortex / metabolism*
  • Time Factors