MRI-Guided Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Treatment of Pediatric Cases with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Motivation: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-assisted rehabilitation therapy has demonstrated the potential to enhance prognoses in spastic cerebral palsy (SCP). However, there are still great differences in the efficacy among individuals. Goal(s): We employed personalized MRI-guided TMS to precisely target symptomatic neural circuits in children with SCP. Approach: We used DSI Studio software to track symptom-related fibre bundles within the cortex for targeting and analysed MRI structural and functional differences before and after treatment. Results: Our findings revealed post-treatment improvements in the quantity, maximum length, and mean length of fiber bundles. Additionally, enhanced neural activity and improved consistency of neural signals were observed after treatment. Impact: Individualized MRI-guided TMS interventions have shown promise in ameliorating neurological symptoms in individuals with SCP.