Brain Magnetic Stimulation in Animal Models: A Valuable Lesson for Clinical Applications

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is more than a mere tool for clinical non-invasive approaches to stimulate and synchronize the neuronal activity in the brain. Electromagnetic stimulation through TMS has recently emerged as a therapeutic alternative for the treatment of different neurological disorders. Among the many properties recently discovered for TMS, its action as an accounting factor for neuroplasticity and neurogenesis is among its most promising features. Translational studies in animal models offer various advantages and also bridge this knowledge gap due to their direct assessment of the brain stimulation impact at the neural level. These profiles have been obtained through the study of animal models, which, in turn, have served for the establishment of the action mechanisms of this method. In this review, we revise and discuss evidence collected on the promising properties of TMS after visiting the different animal models developed so far, and provide a practical perspective of its possible application for clinical purposes.