New advances in the rehabilitation of CNS diseases applying rTMS

Abstract

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can directly stimulate the CNS, modifying the brain’s plasticity to enhance the behavior of the paretic extremities. Studies with low-frequency repetitive TMS (rTMS) on the intact hemisphere and those with high frequencies on the affected hemisphere could increase the speed of movement in the hand affected by CNS injury. Stimulation of the motor pathway may contribute to faster improvement in patients with spinal cord injury. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (such as cognition and working memory, neglect syndrome and global aphasia) can be influenced by rTMS. However, the site of stimulation and the parameters of rTMS are different. Processes that contribute to the behavior of rTMS include the modification of brain plasticity, induction of neurogenesis, growth of new fibers in the spinal cord or all of these together. According to previous research, rTMS may be suitable as an add-on therapy to rehabilitation in CNS diseases.

Keywords::

• Parkinson’s disease
• post-stroke state
• spinal cord injury
• transcranial magnetic stimulation
• working memory
• TMS