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Updated: May 10, 2026
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Brain State-dependent Brain Stimulation with Real-time Electroencephalography-Triggered Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Published on: August 20, 2019
Magnetic fields in noninvasive brain stimulation
Marcos Vidal-Dourado1, Adriana Bastos Conforto, Luis Otávio Sales Ferreira Caboclo
11Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Division of Neurology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
Summary
Magnetic fields have a 2000-year history in therapy, evolving with discoveries like electromagnetic induction. By 1985, transcranial magnetic stimulation emerged as a key neurostimulation technique.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical History
- Biophysics
Background:
- Therapeutic use of magnetic fields dates back 2000 years.
- Key discoveries like electromagnetic induction significantly advanced possibilities.
- Early noninvasive brain magnetic stimulation was reported in 1896.
Observation:
- Changing magnetic fields became a 20th-century tool for neural study and modulation.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was developed in 1985.
- TMS offers a focal and painless method for brain stimulation.
Findings:
- The historical progression highlights the long-standing interest in magnetic fields for medical applications.
- The development of TMS represents a significant advancement in noninvasive neuromodulation techniques.
- This article traces the evolution of magnetic field applications in neuroscience and medicine up to 1985.
Implications:
- Magnetic field applications have evolved from ancient concepts to sophisticated neurostimulation tools.
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation shows potential as a clinical neurophysiology tool.
- Further research into magnetic field therapies could benefit neurologic and psychiatric conditions.
