Repetitive TMS of the somatosensory cortex improves writer's cramp and enhances cortical activity.

Abstract

1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the SI cortex applied for 30 minutes during five consecutive days can improve writer’s cramp while increasing the cortical activity in both hemispheres. Handwriting improved in most patients (N=9/10) with writer’s cramp, as well as the subjective benefit, and lasted for 2–3 weeks.

The beneficial effects of rTMS paralleled the functional reorganization in the SI cortex and connected areas, reflecting the impact of somatosensory system on active motion control.

Keywords

• DCM
• Dynamic causal modeling
• fMRI
• Focal dystonia
• Functional imaging
• Graphospasm
• rTMS
• Somatosensory cortex
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation
• Writer's cramp