[Transcranial magnetic stimulation: review of accidental seizures].
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a new technique that has been used for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, specially depression. It uses a magnetic stimulator that generates a magnetic field that is applied over the patient's skull with a coil. Possible seizures may be induced accidentally by TMS. TMS is usually used with sub threshold stimuli and seizures may occur by chance, especially when over the safety parameters. This article reviews the eight cases of undesirable seizures occurred with rTMS The possible mechanisms of seizure induction and the patients profile with a higher risk of convulsion are also described.
Rosa
Moacyr Alexandro
MA
Instituto e Departamento de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brazil. moarosa@yahoo.com
Odebrecht
Marina
M
Rigonatti
Sérgio Paulo
SP
Marcolin
Marco Antônio
MA
D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010812:Physical Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology*; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects*