Slow repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation changes oscillatory magnetoencephalographic activity in two patients with thalamic pain

To evaluate the effects of slow repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on thalamic pain, the magnetoencephalographic (MEG) signals following eye closing and tactile stimulation were recorded before and after rTMS in two patients. After the application of rTMS, similar neuromagnetic changes were obtained in both patients. Alpha event-related synchronization (ERS) following eyes closing increased and it became more symmetric. Beta ERS following paralytic extremities stimulation, which was hardly observed before rTMS, increased. Beta ERS following non-paralytic extremities stimulation increased as well. Slow rTMS may change oscillatory MEG activity and induce brain plasticity even if the pain cannot be relieved.