The Contribution of External Magnetic Stimulation in the Modulation of Seizures in Epileptic Patients

Objective: The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of external magnetic stimulation (TMS) in epileptic patients using magnetoencephalographic (MEG) measurements and Fourier statistical analytic techniques. Methods: Our study population comprised with 15 men aged 19-56 years (mean: 39.5±11.3) and 15 women aged 15-53 years (mean: 35.7±11.2). For each patient the magnetic activity was recorded from a total of 64 points (32 points for each temporal lobe). External magnetic stimulation (TMS) with proper field characteristics (intensity: 1-7.5 pT, frequency: the α-rhythm of the patient (8-13 Hz)) was applied in the frontal, occipital and temporal lobes for 2 to 6 minutes and the emitted MEG activity was recorded again. Results: The application of TMS resulted in rapid attenuation of the high MEG activity and of the incidence of seizures in epileptic patients. Conclusions: The lower activity and the reduction of seizures after the application of TMS strongly supports the beneficial effects of TMS in epileptic patients.