The effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation on living human neurons

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a form of non-invasive brain stimulation, and a valuable tool used in both research and the clinic. Different stimulation protocols can have different lasting effects on cortical excitability, for example continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) generally decreases, whereas intermittent TBS (iTBS) generally increases excitability. Despite its use in both research and as a treatment option, the molecular, cellular and electrophysiological mechanisms underlying TMS effects in the human brain are largely unknown.