Tracking cortical excitability dynamics with transcranial magnetic stimulation in focal epilepsy.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The lack of reliable biomarkers constrain epilepsy management. We assessed the potential of repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation with electromyography (TMS-EMG) to track dynamical changes in cortical excitability on a within-subject basis.

Methods

We recruited people with refractory focal epilepsy who underwent video-EEG monitoring and drug tapering as part of the presurgical evaluation. We performed daily TMS-EMG measurements with additional postictal assessments 1-6 h following seizures to assess resting motor threshold (rMT), and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) with single- and paired-pulse protocols. Anti-seizure medication (ASM) regimens were recorded for the day before each measurement and expressed in proportion to the dosage before tapering. Additio

SUBMITTER: Helling RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8994988 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature