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Transcranial magnetic stimulation for central pain
Sergio Canavero1, Vincenzo Bonicalzi
1Turin Advanced Neuromodulation Group, Via Morazzone 21,Torino 10132, Italy. solara@infinito.it
Current Pain and Headache Reports
|March 5, 2005
Summary
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) shows limited use for chronic central pain management. However, it may serve as a screening tool for extradural cortical stimulation, a more effective neurosurgical treatment for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Pain Management
Background:
- Central pain is a debilitating chronic pain syndrome impacting millions globally.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an emerging therapeutic tool in neurology and psychiatry with mixed outcomes.
- Few studies have investigated TMS for central pain management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role of TMS in managing chronic central pain.
- To explore the potential of TMS as a screening procedure for alternative treatments.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on TMS for central pain.
- Comparison of TMS efficacy with extradural cortical stimulation.
Main Results:
- TMS has demonstrated contradictory results in neurological and psychiatric applications.
- Current evidence suggests TMS is not effective for the chronic management of central pain.
- TMS shows potential as a preliminary screening method for extradural cortical stimulation.
Conclusions:
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation is not recommended for the chronic treatment of central pain.
- Extradural cortical stimulation is a highly effective, minimally invasive neurosurgical option for central pain.
- TMS may assist in identifying suitable candidates for extradural cortical stimulation.