Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique, wherein an electromagnetic coil is placed against the scalp to deliver repeated magnetic pulses that induce electric currents in specific brain areas. This process modulates neuronal excitability and neural circuits, leading to changes in mood, cognition, motor function, and pain perception. rTMS is FDA-approved for major depressive disorder, chronic pain, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and is employed experimentally in various other psychiatric and neurological disorders. Its therapeutic effects are believed to arise from modulation of synaptic plasticity (LTP/LTD), neurotransmitter release, neurotrophic factors, and alteration of brain network dynamics. Although generally safe, rTMS can rarely cause seizures or fainting, and individualized dosing is required to minimize risks.

Other names

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulationrTMSTranscranial magnetic stimulationRepetitive TMS

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation induces electric currents in brain tissue via rapid magnetic field changes. This leads to the modulation of cortical excitability by depolarizing or hyperpolarizing neurons. Its effects are frequency-dependent: high frequency (>1 Hz) increases excitability, while low frequency (<1 Hz) decreases excitability. rTMS causes changes in synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). It influences gene and protein expression, especially related to NMDA receptor function, and alters neurotransmitter release and neurotrophic factors (e.g., brain-derived neurotrophic factor). The technique also modulates local and distant brain circuits depending on anatomical targeting.