Antiepileptic effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with cortical malformations: an EEG and clinical study

Abstract

Objective: To study the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on epileptic EEG discharges in patients with refractory epilepsy and malformations of cortical development (MCDs).

Methods: Eight patients with MCD and refractory epilepsy underwent 1 session of low-frequency rTMS (0.5 Hz, 600 pulses) focally targeting the MCD. The number of epileptiform discharges (EDs) in the EEG and seizures were measured before (baseline), immediately after as well as 15 and 30 days after rTMS treatment.

Results: Stimulation significantly decreased the number of EDs 15 and 30 days after rTMS treatment (mean reduction of 46.4%, 95% CI 12.7-80.2%, and mean reduction of 42.1%, 95% CI 8.2-75.7%, respectively). This was associated with a significant reduction in the number of seizures reported as compared with the 4-week period preceding rTMS (mean reduction of 57.3%, 95% CI 33.1-80.3%, and mean reduction of 51.2%, 95% CI 27.9-74.9%, respectively).

Conclusion: This open study shows a significant antiepileptic effect of rTMS based on clinical and electrophysiological criteria and supports the therapeutic utility of rTMS for patients with well-localized epileptogenic cortical malformations.