The impact of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) on seizure course in people with and without epilepsy

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the effects of single and paired-pulse TMS on seizure activity at electrographic and clinical levels in people with and without epilepsy. METHODS: A cohort of 35 people with epilepsy, two people with alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) with no epilepsy, and 16 healthy individuals underwent single or paired-pulse TMS combined with EEG. Clinical records and subject interviews were used to examine seizure frequency four weeks before and after TMS. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in seizure frequency in any subject after TMS exposure. There was no occurrence of seizures in healthy individuals, and no worsening of hemiplegic attacks in people with AHC. CONCLUSIONS: No significant changes in seizure activity were found before or after TMS. SIGNIFICANCE: This study adds evidence on the safety of TMS in people with and without epilepsy with follow-up of four weeks after TMS.