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Repetitive paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation over the visual cortex alters visual recovery function
Takahiro Kimura1, Katsuya Ogata, Shozo Tobimatsu
1Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Neurological Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
Brain Stimulation
|June 16, 2012
Summary
Repetitive transcranial magnetic paired-pulse stimulation (rPPS) offers a new way to influence visual cortex excitability. This study found rPPS can decrease inhibition in the visual cortex, aiding future research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurophysiology
- Brain Stimulation
Background:
- Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) techniques can be ineffective for enhancing visual cortex excitability.
- A more effective method is needed to improve the feasibility of rTMS for visual cortex research.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop a novel tool, repetitive transcranial magnetic paired-pulse stimulation (rPPS), to modulate visual cortex excitability.
- Examine the effects of rPPS on visual cortex function.
Main Methods:
- Determined optimal interstimulus intervals (ISIs) for visual evoked potential (VEP) recovery function analysis.
- Applied rPPS over the visual cortex and compared VEP amplitudes and suppression ratios before and after stimulation.
- Evaluated the effect of single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Main Results:
- Found optimal ISI of 90 ms for VEPs, showing suppressive effects up to 200 ms.
- rPPS did not significantly affect N75-P100 amplitudes in paired VEPs.
- rPPS decreased P100-N145 inhibition for up to 10 minutes; single-pulse TMS had no such effect.
Conclusions:
- rPPS modulated VEP recovery, indicating a disinhibitory effect on the visual cortex.
- Suggests rPPS as a potential tool for investigating visual cortex function and excitability.
