Safety Study of Transcranial Static Magnetic Field Stimulation (tSMS) of the Human Cortex

• Main Authors: A. Oliviero, M.C. Carrasco-López, M. Campolo, Y.A. Perez-Borrego, V. Soto-León, J.J. Gonzalez-Rosa, A.M. Higuero, B.A. Strange, J. Abad-Rodriguez, G. Foffani
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2015-05-01
• Series: Brain Stimulation
• Subjects: NIBS; Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS); Safety; Transcranial static magnetic field stimulation (tSMS); Neuron-specific enolase; S100
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1935861X14004021

Background: Transcranial static magnetic field stimulation (tSMS) in humans reduces cortical excitability. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if prolonged tSMS (2 h) could be delivered safely in humans. Safety limits for this technique have not been described. Methods: tSMS was applied for 2 h with a cylindric magnet on the occiput of 17 healthy subjects. We assessed tSMS-related safety aspects at tissue level by measuring levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE, a marker of neuronal damage) and S100 (a marker of glial reactivity and damage). We also included an evaluation of cognitive side effects by using a battery of visuomotor and cognitive tests. Results: tSMS did not induce any significant increase in NSE or S100. No cognitive alteration was detected. Conclusions: Our data indicate that the application of tSMS is safe in healthy human subjects, at least within these parameters.