Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive method to excite the elementary unit of thenervous system; neurons in the brain: weak electric currents are induced in the tissue by rapidlychanging magnetic fields via electromagnetic induction). This way, brain activity can be triggered with minimal discomfort, and the functionality of the circuitry and connectivity of the brain can be studied.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is known as rTMS and can produce longer lastingchanges. Numerous small-scale pilot studies have shown it could be a treatment tool for various neurological conditions (e.g. migraine, stroke, Parkinson's disease, dystonia, tinnitus) and psychiatric conditions (e.g. major depression, auditory hallucinations).
