Magnetic Stimulation Improves Motor Function in Stroke Patients

Magnetic Stimulation Improves

Motor Function in Stroke Patients

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to the unaffected hemisphere decreases reaction time and improves motor function in patients with stroke. In a recent study, 10 patients who had stroke within the previous 12 months and whose motor function had stabilized received 3 rTMS sessions 1 hour apart or sham treatment. Active rTMS consisted of a 1-Hz magnetic field administered for 10 minutes over the primary and premotor cortex of the unaffected side. Compared with the sham treatment group, patients receiving rTMS showed significant decreases in simple and choice reaction times and improved performance on the Purdue Pegboard test with the affected hand (Neurology. 2005;64:1802-1804).