A lack of effect from transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on the vagus nerve stimulator (VNS).
OBJECTIVE
The effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) are unknown. Understanding these effects is important before exposing individuals with an implanted VNS to TMS, as could occur in epilepsy or depression TMS research. To explore this issue, the TMS-induced current in VNS leads and whether TMS has an effect on the VNS pulse generator was assessed.


METHODS
Ex vivo measurement of current in VNS leads during single-pulse TMS and pulse generator function before, during, and after single-pulse TMS was assessed.


RESULTS
At the highest intensity and with the TMS coil held approximately 5 mm from the VNS wires, a 200 nA, 1.0 ms current was induced by TMS. This translates to an induced charge density of 3.3 nC/cm2/phase. The function of the pulse generator was unaffected by single-pulse TMS, even when its case was directly stimulated by the coil.


CONCLUSIONS
TMS-induced current in VNS electrodes was not only well outside of the range known to be injurious to peripheral nerve, but also below the activation threshold of nerve fibers.


CONCLUSIONS
Using single-pulse TMS in individuals with VNS should not result in nerve stimulation or damage. Furthermore, single-pulse TMS does not affect the VNS pulse generator's function.
Schrader
Lara M
LM
Department of Neurology, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Reed Neurological Research Building, 710 Westwood Plaza, Room 1-194, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. lschrader@mednet.ucla.edu
Stern
John M
JM
Fields
Tony A
TA
Nuwer
Marc R
MR
Wilson
Charles L
CL
D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D006801:Humans; D009412:Nerve Fibers; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000502:physiology*