Effects of low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on gamma frequency oscillations and event-related potentials during processing of illusory figures in autism

J Autism Dev Disord. 2009 Apr;39(4):619-34. doi: 10.1007/s10803-008-0662-7. Epub 2008 Nov 22.

Abstract

Previous studies by our group suggest that the neuropathology of autism is characterized by a disturbance of cortical modularity. In this model a decrease in the peripheral neuropil space of affected minicolumns provides for an inhibitory deficit and a readjustment in their signal to noise bias during information processing. In this study we proposed using low frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a way increasing the surround inhibition of minicolumns in autism. Thirteen patients (ADOS and ADI-R diagnosed) and equal number of controls participated in the study. Repetitive TMS was delivered at 0.5 Hz, 2 times per week for 3 weeks. Outcome measures based on event-related potentials (ERP), induced gamma activity, and behavioral measures showed significant post-TMS improvement. The results suggest that rTMS offers a potential therapeutic intervention for autism.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Autistic Disorder / physiopathology*
  • Autistic Disorder / psychology
  • Autistic Disorder / therapy*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child
  • Electroencephalography*
  • Evoked Potentials*
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Psychomotor Performance
  • Reaction Time
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation* / methods
  • Young Adult