CTBS effect on language reorganization verified by fMRI and chronometry TMS in an aphasia patient

Abstract

AbstractThe physiologic effect of continuous theta‐burst stimulation (cTBS) in language network has been reported, although it has the clinical benefit of longer‐lasting inhibitory effects with shorter stimulation time. We report 50‐year‐old aphasia patient showed increased activation of the left Broca's area by cTBS for 3 days on contralateral Broca's homologue area (Brodmann area 45) leading to improvements in speech performance. Furthermore, we were able to validate the engaged network and timing in picture naming using chronometry TMS showing significant delay in picture naming only at 200 ms after picture presentation by the left Broca's area (BA 44/45) stimulation. These results may indicate that cTBS over Broca's homologue area (BA 45) led to functional reorganization of language network by shifting it from right to left through interhemispheric interaction.