Transcranial magnetic stimulation at the interface with other techniques: a powerful tool for studying the human...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neuroimaging
• Electrophysiology

Background:

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive technique for studying human brain function and dysfunction.
• As a standalone method, TMS has limitations in its knowledge-generating potential.
• Combining TMS with other modalities offers enhanced insights into brain activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review of combined approaches utilizing TMS.
• To highlight how these combined methods advance the understanding of TMS's interaction with neuronal networks.
• To showcase the synergistic potential of integrating TMS with other neuroscientific tools.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on combined TMS techniques.
• Synopsis of studies integrating TMS with electrophysiological (EEG) and imaging (PET, fMRI, NIRS, MRS) modalities.
• Examination of pharmaco-TMS studies combining TMS with neuroactive drugs.

Main Results:

• Combined TMS approaches significantly enhance the understanding of brain function and dysfunction.
• Integration with neuroimaging and electrophysiology provides detailed insights into neuronal network dynamics.
• Pharmaco-TMS reveals the influence of neurochemical modulation on TMS effects.

Conclusions:

• Combining TMS with other techniques is crucial for maximizing its research potential.
• These integrated approaches offer powerful tools for basic and clinical neuroscience.
• Further research into combined TMS methodologies will deepen our understanding of the human brain.