Ann Clin Neurophysiol.  2022;24(2):53-58. 10.14253/acn.2022.24.2.53.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for neuropathic pain

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
  • 2Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, Sejong, Korea

Abstract

Noninvasive stimulation of the nervous system for treating chronic neuropathic pain has received attention because of its tolerability and relative efficacy. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a representative method of noninvasive brain stimulation. Evidence-based guidelines on therapeutic use of rTMS have been proposed recently for several neurological diseases. These guidelines recommend treating neuropathic pain by applying high-frequency (≥ 5 Hz) rTMS to the primary motor cortex contralateral to the painful side. This review summarizes the mechanisms and guidelines of rTMS for treating neuropathic pain, and proposes directions for future research.

Keyword

Transcranial magnetic stimulation; Neuropathic pain; Guideline

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