Transcranial magnetic stimulation and neuroplasticity

We review past results and present novel data to illustrate different ways in which TMS can be used to study neural plasticity. Procedural learning du ring the serial reaction time task (SRTT) is used as a model of neural plas ticity to illustrate the applications of TMS. These different applications of TMS represent principles of use that we believe are applicable to studie s of cognitive neuroscience in general and exemplify the great potential of TMS in the study of brain and behavior. We review the use of TMS for (1) c ortical output mapping using focal, single-pulse TMS; (2) identification of the mechanisms underlying neuroplasticity using paired-pulse TMS technique s; (3) enhancement of the information of other neuroimaging techniques by t ransient disruption of cortical function using repetitive TMS; and finally (4) modulation of cortical function with repetitive TMS to influence behavi or and guide plasticity. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved .