Transcranial magnetic stimulation in child neurology: current and future directions.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a method for focal brain stimulation based on the principle of electromagnetic induction, where small intracranial electric currents are generated by a powerful, rapidly changing extracranial magnetic field. Over the past 2 decades TMS has shown promise in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disease in adults, but has been used on a more limited basis in children. We reviewed the literature to identify potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications of TMS in child neurology and also its safety in pediatrics. Although TMS has not been associated with any serious side effects in children and appears to be well tolerated, general safety guidelines should be established. The potential for applications of TMS in child neurology and psychiatry is significant. Given its excellent safety profile and possible therapeutic effect, this technique should develop as an important tool in pediatric neurology over the next decade.
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Richard.E.Frye@uth.tmc.edu
Richard E
RE
Frye
Alexander
A
Rotenberg
Molliann
M
Ousley
Alvaro
A
Pascual-Leone
D001921:Brain / Q000254:growth & development / Q000503:physiopathology; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000254:growth & development / Q000503:physiopathology; D009462:Neurology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*