Epilepsy Research
Volume 30, Issue 1 , Pages 11-30, March 1998

Transcranial magnetic stimulation: its current role in epilepsy research

  • U Ziemann

      Affiliations

    • Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University of Gottingen, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany
    • Human Cortex Physiology Unit, NINDS, NIH, Bethesda MD 20892, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Human Cortex Physiology Unit, NINDS, NIH, Building 10, Room 5N242, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda MD 20892, USA.
    • ,
  • B.J Steinhoff

      Affiliations

    • Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University of Gottingen, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany
    • ,
  • F Tergau

      Affiliations

    • Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University of Gottingen, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany
    • ,
  • W Paulus

      Affiliations

    • Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University of Gottingen, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany

Received 16 July 1997; received in revised form 10 September 1997; accepted 14 September 1997.

Abstract 

This paper reviews the current role of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in epilepsy research. After a brief introduction to the technical principles, the physiology and the safety aspects of TMS, emphasis is put on how human cortex excitability can be assessed by TMS and how this may improve our understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms in epilepsy and the mode of action of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Also, potential therapeutical applications of TMS are reviewed. For all aspects of this paper, a clear distinction was made between single-/paired-pulse TMS and repetitive TMS, since these two techniques have fundamentally different scopes and applications.

Keywords:  Transcranial magnetic stimulation, Motor cortex excitability, Antiepileptic drugs, Mode of action, Epilepsy

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S0920-1211(97)00079-X

Epilepsy Research
Volume 30, Issue 1 , Pages 11-30, March 1998

Article Tools

* Image Usage & Resolution