Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) therapy for Parkinson Disease

Abstract

In repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), repetitive cortical stimulation induces after-effects, and rTMS has been applied as a treatment for various neurological or psychiatric disorders. Animal studies demonstrated that cortical stimulation could improve Parkinsonism, and a meta-analysis of clinical studies showed efficacy of high frequency rTMS. We conducted two clinical trials of supplementary motor area rTMS therapy for Parkinson's disease, and reported long-lasting efficacy. Other studies targeted specified aspects of Parkinson's disease, or utilized newly developed stimulation protocols. rTMS therapy for PD is a promising area, and can be an important treatment option in the near future.