Abstract

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive method for stimulation of brain that is based on the ability of a generated magnetic field to penetrate skull and brain meninges, inducing an electric current in the brain tissues that produces neuronal depolarization. TMS can be applied as single pulse of stimulation, pairs of stimuli separated by variable intervals to the same or different brain areas, or as trains of repetitive stimuli at various frequencies. Its mechanism of action is currently unknown. Repetitive TMS can modify the excitability of the cerebral cortex, and has been postulated as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in the area of neuropsychiatry. The aim of this article is to review the knowledge of the TMS as regards its basic principles, pathophysiological mechanism, and its usefulness in clinical practice.