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DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-918761
Modulation of cerebellothalamocortical pathways by cerebellar rTMS
Objectives: Increasing evidence suggests that dysfunctions of the cortico-cerebellar-thalamic-cortical circuit are involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The goal of this study was to explore the effect of cerebellar repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on cerebello-thalamo-cortical pathways.
Methods: Ten healthy volunteers received neuronavigated rTMS (120% motor threshold, 1000 stimuli) over the medial cerebellum at a frequency of 10-Hz. Motor cortex excitability was assessed before and after the intervention by using paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Results: Cerebellar rTMS resulted in a significant increase of intracortical inhibition (ICI). This effect may be mediated by rTMS induced enhancement of Purkinje cell activity. Other parameters of cortical excitabiolity remained unchanged.
Conclusions: rTMS over the cerebellum has lasting effects on cerebello-thalamo-cortical pathways and thus might offer an innovative treatment approach for neuropsychiatric diseases.