The Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Healthy Human Subjects

It has been demonstrated that several neurologic and psychiatry disorders are associated with dysfunctional cortical inhibitory mechanisms and alterations in neurotrophins (biological markers involved in neuronal survival and plasticity) and that rTMS therapeutic effects are associated with changes in cortical excitability. CI produced by rTMS can be demonstrated through SICI, CSP and LICI. However it remains unclear which rTMS parameters induce the best CI. Exploring different rTMS stimulus conditions versus sham condition effects in CI of human motor cortex can be the way to identify the best rTMS therapeutic parameters. Also, evaluating the molecular effects produced by rTMS treatment on serum blood levels can help identify the mechanisms through which rTMS exerts its therapeutic effects and ultimately clarify mechanisms through which treatment effects are mediated.

This experiment intends to demonstrate the best rTMS parameters to acquire higher CI. If our hypotheses are correct, these parameters will help to obtain higher therapeutic effects, and consequently, improvement of rTMS treatments.

Inclusion criteria

• are voluntary and competent to consent
• between the ages of 18-65
• considered a healthy individual free of psychopathology based on the Personality Assessment Inventory
• right-handed determined by the TMS-screener and demographic form
• self-reported non-smoker
• do not have a self-reported concomitant major medical or neurologic illness
• women in childbearing years will be recruited only if they are on an effective means of birth control determined through completion of the TMS screener and demographic form.

Exclusion criteria

• demonstrate a failure to tolerate the procedure
• develop any significant adverse events (e.g., seizure or seizure-like activity)
• withdraw consent
• the principal investigator believes that for safety reasons it is in the best interest of the individual to be withdrawn