Reduction of human visual cortex excitability using 1-Hz transcranial magnetic stimulation

The effects of low-frequency (l-Hz) repetitive transcranial magnetic stimul ation on visual cortex excitability were investigated by measuring phosphen e thresholds (PTs) and stimulus-response curves. Stimulation over the visua l cortex led to significantly decreased visual cortex excitability, express ed as an increase in PT. The motor threshold of the hand muscles did not ch ange, indicating the topographic specificity of this effect. This intervent ion may be useful in situations associated with a hyperexcitable visual cor tex.