BackgroundTranscranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is extensively studied as a neuromodulation tool in neurological disorders. However, its use with the central vestibular disorders is limited.ObjectiveTo evaluate the utility of TMS as an assessment and treatment of chronic vestibular disorders and propose recommendations for future work.MethodsA comprehensive search of four electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Source) identified 206 records of which 16 studies were included.ResultsOne study used TMS as a neurophysiological assessment tool and 15 used repetitive TMS (rTMS) as a neuromodulatory intervention. Mal de Debarquement syndrome was the most frequently explored diagnosis. Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the cerebellum were the most frequent sites for rTMS application. Statistically significant improvements were noted on the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (3/7 studies) but clinically significant improvements were not observed. Postural control (7/7 studies) showed improvements along with VOR gain (1/1 studies).ConclusionsTMS shows promise as both a neurophysiological assessment tool and a neuromodulatory intervention for chronic vestibular disorders. Methodological limitations of the studies warrant caution while interpreting the results. Larger sample sizes, control groups, optimal neuroanatomical targeting, and dosing along with active rehabilitation are required to determine effectiveness in chronic vestibular disorders.
Keywords: neuromodulation; neuroplasticity; transcranial magnetic stimulation; vestibular system.