Safety Study of Transcranial Static Magnetic Field Stimulation (tSMS) of the Human Cortex

Brain Stimul. 2015 May-Jun;8(3):481-5. doi: 10.1016/j.brs.2014.12.002. Epub 2014 Dec 11.

Abstract

Background: Transcranial static magnetic field stimulation (tSMS) in humans reduces cortical excitability.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if prolonged tSMS (2 h) could be delivered safely in humans. Safety limits for this technique have not been described.

Methods: tSMS was applied for 2 h with a cylindric magnet on the occiput of 17 healthy subjects. We assessed tSMS-related safety aspects at tissue level by measuring levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE, a marker of neuronal damage) and S100 (a marker of glial reactivity and damage). We also included an evaluation of cognitive side effects by using a battery of visuomotor and cognitive tests.

Results: tSMS did not induce any significant increase in NSE or S100. No cognitive alteration was detected.

Conclusions: Our data indicate that the application of tSMS is safe in healthy human subjects, at least within these parameters.

Keywords: NIBS; Neuron-specific enolase; Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS); S100; Safety; Transcranial static magnetic field stimulation (tSMS).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attention / physiology
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiology*
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetics
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Phosphopyruvate Hydratase / metabolism
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
  • S100 Proteins / metabolism
  • Safety
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / adverse effects*
  • Verbal Behavior / physiology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • S100 Proteins
  • Phosphopyruvate Hydratase