Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 4, 2026

MRI-guided dmPFC-rTMS as a Treatment for Treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder
Published on: August 11, 2015
Neuronavigation‑guided rTMS of the facial motor cortex for atypical facial pain: Two case reports
Dongsheng Xiao1,2, Wei Tao2,3, Yongjie Li2,4
1Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
Objective:
Evaluate safety and analgesic effect of neuronavigation-guided 10 Hz rTMS precisely targeting facial M1 in atypical facial pain (AFP).
Methods:
Two adults with refractory AFP received 10 daily sessions (2,500 pulses/day) of 10 Hz rTMS at 110 % resting motor threshold. Targeting used MRI/CT-integrated neuronavigation to the facial M1. Pain severity (Barrow Neurological Institute [BNI] scale I-V) and adverse events were recorded through treatment and short follow-up.
Results:
Both completed treatment without serious adverse events. Case 1 improved from BNI V at baseline to II at end of treatment, persisting BNI III for 15 days. Case 2 improved from BNI IV to I, with BNI III for 2 days after therapy; both reported better sleep and mood.
Conclusions:
Neuronavigation-guided 10 Hz rTMS of facial M1 was well tolerated and associated with rapid, clinically meaningful analgesia in two AFP cases.
Significance:
Pilot data support sham-controlled studies to define dose-response and durability, identify responders, and formalize navigated rTMS as a physiological screen to select candidates and targets for implanted brain stimulations.
Related Concept Videos
Muscles for Facial Expressions
Facial Feedback Hypothesis
Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex....
Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex
Data Reporting and Recording
Antipsychotic Drugs: Typical and Atypical Agents

