Dl. Menkes et M. Gruenthal, Slow-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in a patient with focal cortical dysplasia, EPILEPSIA, 41(2), 2000, pp. 240-242
Purpose: To evaluate the effect of slow-frequency repetitive transcranial m
agnetic stimulation (SF-rTMS) on interictal epileptiform activity and seizu
re frequency in a patient with medically refractory partial seizures due to
focal cortical dysplasia.
Methods: A 9-cm circular coil was positioned over the area of cortical dysp
lasia. One hundred stimuli given at 0.5 Hz at 5% below motor threshold were
given biweekly for four consecutive weeks. The EEG was recorded for 30 min
before and after the first 100 stimuli. The number of seizures during the
month of stimulation was compared with that of the month before stimulation
.
Results: Stimulation was associated with a 70% reduction in the frequency o
f seizures and a 77% reduction in the frequency of interictal spikes. No se
izures occurred during stimulation.
Conclusions: SF-rTMS was safe and well tolerated in this patient. The reduc
tion in seizures and interictal spikes associated with SF-rTMS supports the
concept of SF-rTMS-induced cortical inhibition.