Exploring Cerebellar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Post-stroke Limb Dysfunction Rehabilitation: a Narrative Review

Overview

Journal Front Neurosci

Date 2025 Feb 18

PMID 39963260

Authors

Zhan Wang

Likai Wang

Fei Gao

Yongli Dai

Chunqiao Liu

Jingyi Wu

Mengchun Wang

Qinjie Yan

Yaning Chen

Chengbin Wang

Litong Wang

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This review delves into the emerging field of cerebellar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in the rehabilitation of limb dysfunction following a stroke. It synthesizes findings from randomized controlled trials and case studies, examining the efficacy, safety, and underlying mechanisms of cerebellar TMS. The review outlines advancements in TMS technologies, such as low-frequency repetitive TMS, intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation, and Cerebello-Motor Paired Associative Stimulation, and their integration with physiotherapy. The role of the cerebellum in motor control, the theoretical underpinnings of cerebellar stimulation on motor cortex excitability, and the indirect effects on cognition and motor learning are explored. Additionally, the review discusses current challenges, including coil types, safety, and optimal timing and modes of stimulation, and suggests future research directions. This comprehensive analysis highlights cerebellar TMS as a promising, though complex, approach in stroke rehabilitation, offering insights for its clinical optimization.

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