Poststroke rehabilitation using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation during pregnancy: A case report

BACKGROUND: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a form of magnetic stimulation therapy used to treat depression, migraine, and motor function impairment in patients with stroke. As there is little research on the effects of rTMS in pregnant women, it is not widely used in these patients. This case report aimed to demonstrate the safety of rTMS in pregnant patients. CASE SUMMARY: After much consideration, we applied rTMS to treat recent stroke and hemiplegia in a 34-year-old pregnant woman. The patient received 45 sessions of low-frequency treatment over the course of 10 wk. We closely monitored the mother and fetus for potential side effects; the results showed significant improvement in the patient's motor function, with no harmful effects on the mother or fetus during pregnancy or after delivery. The patient’s fine motor and walking functions improved after treatment. This case is the first instance of a stroke patient treated with rTMS during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates that rTMS could be used to improve motor function recovery in stroke patients during pregnancy.