High frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex can alleviate non-fluent aphasia after stroke

Introduction/Background To investigate the effects of High frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the motor cortex on non-fluent aphasia in patients after stroke. Material and method Six stroke patients displaying non-fluent aphasia were randomly assigned to an rTMS group and a control group using a random number table. Both groups were treated with conventional language therapy. While the rTMS group was additionally given 5 Hz rTMS over the motor cortex (M 1) of the affected hemisphere 5 days a week for 4 weeks. The patients were stimulated at 100% of the motor threshold (MT), with 2 second trains and intervals of 3 seconds 120 times (1200 pulses) in a session. Before and after the 4 weeks of treatment, the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) and the Communicative Abilities in Daily Living (CADL) test were conducted in both groups to evaluate their language function and communication ability. Results Only spontaneous speech improved significantly ( P P P Conclusion rTMS applied to the motor cortex of the affected hemisphere can significantly improve language function in those exhibiting non-fluent aphasia after stroke.