Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
08:29
Standardized Induction and Assessment of Long-term Potentiation-like Cortical Plasticity Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Published on: November 7, 2025
Transcranial magnetic stimulation in multiple sclerosis: Targeting symptoms through neuroplasticity
Claudio Nazzi1, Sonia Turrini1, Rachele Pezzetta2
1Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari," Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Cesena, Italy.
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|May 19, 2026
Summary
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) shows promise for managing multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms like fatigue and motor issues. Further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and guide its use as a complementary therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder involving autoimmune inflammation and neurodegeneration.
- Current disease-modifying therapies offer benefits but do not fully address persistent MS challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinical studies on transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms over the last 20 years.
- To evaluate TMS as a therapeutic option for MS-related fatigue, motor dysfunction, spasticity, and cognitive impairment.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of clinical trials investigating TMS in individuals with MS.
- Analysis of studies focusing on symptomatic relief and neuroplasticity modulation.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests potential benefits of TMS for MS symptoms, particularly motor and spasticity outcomes.
- Neuroplasticity appears partially preserved in MS, supporting neuromodulation approaches like TMS.
- TMS is generally well-tolerated, but trial data show heterogeneity and a need for more robust sham-controlled studies.
Conclusions:
- Further controlled trials are essential to establish TMS efficacy, durability, and identify patient predictors.
- TMS may serve as a complementary strategy to enhance residual neuroplasticity and alleviate symptom burden in MS.
- Findings support the stepwise clinical translation of TMS-based interventions for multiple sclerosis management.
