Navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation in rehabilitation of traumatic frontal lobes injury

Abstract

Traumatic injury of frontal lobes has severe impact on socialadaptation due to alterations in cognitive function and behavior.Considering the low efficacy of conventional rehabilitationmethods, the development of complementary approaches isneeded. Rhythmic transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) isknown to improve short and long-term memory, processingspeed, problem solving in dementia. However, the trials showconflicting results that might be caused by lack of individualizationas the target of stimulation is defined exclusively on the baseof anatomy. We used fMRI-guided rTMS of the left dorsolateralprefrontal area to ameliorate consequences of traumatic injuryof the frontal lobes. Case report demonstrating the efficacy ofthis method is presented. Significant improvement was observedafter 15 sessions of rTMS in patient with severe traumatic braininjury who gained an increase in cognitive speed, developmentof ability to summarize and acquire experience, improvement inplanning, control and error correction.

Keywords

• transcranial magnetic stimulation
• traumatic brain injury
• frontal lobes
• dorsolateral prefrontal area
• executive functions