Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for treatment of chronic tinnitus: clinical effects

Prog Brain Res. 2007:166:359-67. doi: 10.1016/S0079-6123(07)66034-8.

Abstract

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive method used to induce electrical current in the brain through impulses of strong magnetic fields applied externally. The technique can relieve tinnitus by modulating the excitability of neurons in the auditory cortex to decrease the hyperexcitability that is associated with generating the neural activity that causes some form of tinnitus. This chapter will review clinical studies using rTMS for the treatment of tinnitus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Auditory Cortex / physiology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Humans
  • Neuronal Plasticity
  • Tinnitus / physiopathology
  • Tinnitus / therapy*
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation*