Short- and long-latency afferent inhibition; uses, mechanisms and influencing factors

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an ideal technique for non-invasively stimulating the brain and assessing intracortical processes. By delivering electrical stimuli to a peripheral nerve prior to a TMS pulse directed to the motor cortex, the excitability and integrity of the sensorimotor system can be probed at short and long time intervals (short latency afferent inhibition, long latency afferent inhibition). The goal of this review is to detail the experimental factors that influence the magnitude and timing of afferent inhibition in the upper limb and these include the intensity of nerve and TMS delivery, and the nerve composition.

Source: BRAIN STIMULATION: Basic, Translational, and Clinical Research in Neuromodulation - September 19, 2017 Category: Neurology Authors: Claudia V. Turco, Jenin El-Sayes, Mitchell J. Savoie, Hunter J. Fassett, Mitchell B. Locke, Aimee J. Nelson Source Type: research