Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for neuropathic pain
- Resource Type
- Text
- Authors
- Lee, Eun Kyoung; Sohn, Eunhee; Kim, Sooyoung
- Source
- Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology. 24(2):53-58
- Subject
- Review Article
- Language
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.