Changes to cold detection and pain thresholds following low and high frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex

There is some evidence that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can alleviate the experience of chronic pain. The mechanisms by which rTMS may induce pain relief, however, are unknown. The present study examined whether a session of rTMS would produce sensory threshold changes in healthy individuals. Detection and pain thresholds for cold sensations were compared following low frequency (1 Hz) (Experiment 1) and high frequency (20 Hz) (Experiment 2) repetitive TMS. While cold detection threshold was significantly lowered by both rTMS rates, only high frequency rTMS produced a significant change in cold pain threshold. In contrast, sham rTMS did not alter thresholds for cold stimuli. These findings provide evidence that sensory thresholds can be influenced by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. © 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.