High frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic over the medial cerebellum induces a shift in the prefrontal electroencephalography gamma spectrum: a pilot study in humans

In the present study the anatomical projections from the medial cerebellum to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) were investigated in healthy human subjects, using high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic (rTMS) stimulation and electro-encephalography (EEG). Medial cerebellar rTMS, compared to placebo induced a significant shift in anterior asymmetry, from left to right dominance in the fast(30-50 Hz) EEG spectrum, whereas occipital and lateral cerebellum stimulation did not show such an effect. Moreover elevations in mood and alertness were reported again after medial cerebellar stimulation only. Taken together, these data confirm and further specify the assumed cerebellar modulation of PFC activity and affect. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.