Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for improving function after stroke

Abstract

BACKGROUND: It had been assumed that suppressing the undamaged contralesional motor cortex by repetitive low-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or increasing the excitability of the damaged hemisphere cortex by high-frequency rTMS will promote function recovery after stroke. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of rTMS for improving function in people with stroke. METHODS: AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence does not support the routine use of rTMS for the treatment of stroke. Further trials with larger sample sizes are needed to determine a suitable rTMS protocol and the long-term functional outcome.