Differences between Han Chinese and Caucasians in transcranial magnetic stimulation parameters

• DOI: 10.1007/s00221-013-3763-2
• Publication Date: 2013-11-14T11:38:46Z
• Authors: Xiang Yi; Karen M. Fisher; Ming Lai; Kashif Mansoor; R. Bicker; Stuart N. Baker
• Keywords: Silent period; Stimulus (psychology); Evoked potential

The study was conducted to investigate the difference between Han Chinese and Caucasians on various parameters measured from responses transcranial magnetic brain stimulation (TMS). Sixteen subjects were studied in each group. A circular coil at vertex used for stimulation, whilst recording surface electromyograms right first dorsal interosseous. In passive state, motor-evoked potential (MEP) threshold, MEP recruitment, short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) facilitation measured. recruitment silent period also active state. showed significantly higher thresholds (P < 0.005), less of motor response (SICI, P 0.0005) a shorter 0.05). Differences SICI appeared be consequence differences threshold not seen when determine conditioning stimulus intensity. may reflect cortical excitability rather than inhibitory processes, as they silent-period duration expressed function size, TMS There appears significant some Caucasian subjects. This an underlying excitability.