Can TMS based neurophysiology inform the delivery of rTMS after stroke?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be used to assess and alter cortical excitability in healthy and clinical populations. Studies using TMS demonstrate altered brain excitability and connectivity in both hemispheres during after stroke. Interhemispheric imbalance is noted after stroke such that the ipsilesional hemisphere shows less corticospinal excitability with smaller, or even absent, motor evoked potentials (MEPs). In contrast, the contralesional hemisphere often demonstrates equal or abnormally increased corticospinal excitability.

Source: BRAIN STIMULATION: Basic, Translational, and Clinical Research in Neuromodulation - January 22, 2019 Category: Neurology Authors: L. Boyd Source Type: research