BackgroundThis study investigates the potential of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to enhance spinal cord axon regeneration by modulating corticospinal pathways and improving motor nerve function recovery in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). New methodTMS is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that generates a magnetic field to activate neurons in the brain, leading to depolarization and modulation of cortical activity. Initially utilized for brain physiology research, TMS has evolved into a diagnostic and prognostic tool in clinical settings, with increasing interest in its therapeutic applications. However, its potential for treating motor dysfunction in SCI has been underexplored. ResultsThe TMS intervention group exhibited significant improvements compared to the control group across behavioral assessments, neurophysiological measurements, pathological analysis, and immunological markers. Comparison with existing methodsUnlike most studies that focus on localized spinal cord injury or muscle treatments, this study leverages the non-invasive, painless, and highly penetrating nature of TMS to focus on the corticospinal tracts, exploring its therapeutic potential for SCI. ConclusionsTMS enhances motor function recovery in rats with SCI by restoring corticospinal pathway integrity and promoting axonal regeneration. These findings highlight TMS as a promising therapeutic option for SCI patients with currently limited treatment alternatives.
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