Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive, painless intervention able to modulate cortical excitability and plasticity. In the past decade, research about potential benefits of rTMS in stroke rehabilitation has advanced enormously. This chapter will review key studies that evaluated effects of rTMS on motor function, language, neglect and depression in individuals with stroke. Safety aspects will also be discussed. The integration between rTMS, other neurophysiology techniques, structural and functional neuroimaging is a promising strategy to target key networks involved in recovery, boost adaptive plasticity and substantially contribute to change the game of disability from stroke.