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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Pediatric Neurological Disorders

  • Pediatric Neurology (A Yeshokumar, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Treatment Options in Neurology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of review

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a form of noninvasive brain stimulation that is used for the treatment of migraine and major depression in adults and is now being evaluated for use in other disorders. The purpose of this review is to summarize the physiology underlying TMS, the safety and tolerability in pediatric patients, and the evidence for TMS efficacy in the treatment of pediatric neurologic disorders.

Recent findings

Studies investigating rTMS for adolescent depression, hemiparesis due to pediatric stroke, autism, and tics/Tourette syndrome have demonstrated some therapeutic benefit. rTMS has been insufficiently studied for migraine in children despite benefits demonstrated for adult migraine. Evidence for rTMS in childhood epilepsy and ADHD remains mixed.

Summary

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is emerging as a safe, tolerable, and potentially effective therapeutic strategy in a number of pediatric neurological disorders, though high-quality, randomized controlled trials are needed. Ongoing studies should focus on optimization of treatment protocols, development of biomarkers to identify children who will benefit from the technique, and identification of the most appropriate indicators of response.

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References and Recommended Reading

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: •• Of major importance

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  1. Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 200 N. Wolfe Street, Suite 2158, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA

    Laura A. Malone MD, PhD & Lisa R. Sun MD

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  1. Laura A. Malone MD, PhD
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Correspondence to Lisa R. Sun MD.

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Malone, L.A., Sun, L.R. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Pediatric Neurological Disorders. Curr Treat Options Neurol 21, 58 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11940-019-0600-3

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