MAGNETIC BRAIN STIMULATION EFFICACY IN SPINAL CORD INJURED PATIENTS

 

 

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been shown to alter cortical inhibition in stable incomplete spinal cord injury and improve the clinical and functional outcome (M Belci et al. Magnetic brain stimulation can improve clinical outcome in incomplete spinal cord injured patients. Spinal Cord 42, 417-419, 2004). Four stable incomplete spinal cord injury patients were treated with rTMS over the occipital cortex (sham treatment) and then over the motor cortex (real treatment). Patients were assessed using electrophysiological, clinical and functional measures before treatment, during sham treatment, during the therapeutic treatment and during a 3-week follow-up period.

Cortical inhibition was reduced during the treatment week. Perceptual threshold to electrical stimulation of the skin, ASIA clinical measures of motor and sensory function and time to complete a peg-board improved and remained improved into the follow-up period.

 

                                                                                            BM&L-July 2004