title: Brain mapping using transcranial magnetic stimulation.
abstract: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a novel brain stimulation technique that has advanced the understanding of brain physiology, and has diagnostic value as well as therapeutic potential for several neuropsychiatric disorders. The stimulation involves restricted cortical and subcortical regions, and, when used in combination with a visually guided technique, results in improved accuracy to target specific areas, which may also influence the outcome desired. This article reviews the principles underlying the mechanism of action of TMS, and discusses its use to obtain functional maps of the motor and visual cortex, including technical considerations for accuracy and reproducibility of mapping procedures.
authors: Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA. joromero@bmc.org
authors: José Rafael
authors: JR
authors: Romero
authors: Deisy Marcela
authors: DM
authors: Ramirez
authors: Linda S
authors: LS
authors: Aglio
authors: Laverne D
authors: LD
authors: Gugino
mesh_terms: D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D009044:Motor Cortex / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods*; D014793:Visual Cortex / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology