Advances in Cerebellar TMS Therapy: An Updated Systematic Review on Multi-Session Interventions

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Cerebellar transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a developing neuromodulatory technique.
• It shows potential for treating motor, cognitive, and socio-affective impairments.
• Its application in rehabilitation settings is of growing interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review evidence on the efficacy, safety, and methods of multi-session cerebellar TMS.
• To synthesize findings from 2015-2025 in clinical rehabilitation contexts.
• To identify gaps in current research and guide future studies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Searched PubMed and Scopus for studies on multi-session cerebellar TMS in clinical populations.
• Included 46 studies after screening 1750 records, extracting data on protocols, outcomes, and safety.

Main Results:

• Multi-session cerebellar TMS is safe and well-tolerated.
• Demonstrated functional improvements in motor disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease, stroke) and psychiatric conditions (e.g., schizophrenia).
• Evidence for cognitive benefits is limited but promising.

Conclusions:

• Cerebellar TMS is a viable option for motor and psychiatric rehabilitation.
• Further large-scale, controlled trials are necessary.
• Refining protocols, exploring long-term effects, and understanding mechanisms are key research priorities.