Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on cerebral glucose metabolism

Insight Into the Effects of Clinical Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on the Brain From Positron Emission Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies: A Narrative Review

“…Regarding rTMS therapeutic effects, most studies reported changes that were often, but not always, accompanied by symptomatic improvement. GABA and Glx concentration, rCBF, and glucose metabolism, as well as functional connectivity have been shown to correlate with therapeutic effects ( Baeken et al, 2015 ; Yin et al, 2020 ; Horimoto et al, 2021 ). Finally, studies reported rTMS effects in rsFC are dependent on the population studied, as different responses are observed between healthy controls and patient populations ( Liston et al, 2014 ).…”

“…These results suggest rTMS therapeutic effects might be facilitated by modulation of these pathways. Horimoto et al (2021) showed that concurrent HF and LF rTMS delivery combined with physical therapy in poststroke hemiplegic patients decreases metabolism asymmetry between the lesional and contralesional areas. The authors also reported that improvement in motor function was associated with changes in metabolism.…”

“…Taken together, glucose metabolism and rCBF studies showed rTMS activity modulation to be localized within the stimulated systems, reaching deep brain regions. In patient populations, the changes in activity have seemed to not only be accompanied by symptomatic improvement ( Baeken et al, 2009 , 2015 ; Li et al, 2010 ; Brusa et al, 2012 ; Nauczyciel et al, 2014 ) but also correlated to the degree of improvement ( Baeken et al, 2015 ; Horimoto et al, 2021 ). In patients with mood disorders, anterior cingulate activity is a predictor for rTMS responsiveness ( Li et al, 2010 , 2018a ; Takahashi et al, 2013 ).…”

10 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may improve cognitive function: An exploratory study of schizophrenia patients with auditory hallucinations

“…Studies suggest that the HPG axis, which plays multiple roles in brain development and function, affects cognitive function [ 49 , 50 ]. Patients with cognitive impairment often have decreased glucose metabolism in cental system, and rTMS with high-frequency can contribute to increased glucose metabolism in brain regions [ 51 , 52 ]. Furthermore, studies have shown that rTMS with high-frequency can cause more active cerebral blood flow and improve the energy metabolism of brain cells, thus improving cognitive function [ 53 , 54 ].…”