Protocol for mapping of the supplementary motor area using repetitive navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation

BackgroundDamage to the supplementary motor area (SMA) can lead to impairments of motor and language function. A detailed preoperative mapping of functional boarders of the SMA could therefore aid preoperative diagnostics in these patients. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was the development of a repetitive nTMS protocol for non-invasive functional mapping of the SMA while assuring effects are caused by SMA rather than M1 activation. MethodsThe SMA in the dominant hemisphere of 12 healthy subjects (28.2 +/- 7.7 years, 6 females) was mapped using repetitive nTMS at 20 Hz (120% RMT), while subjects performed a finger tapping task. Reductions in finger taps were classified in three error categories (<= 15% = no errors, 15-30% = mild, >30% significant). The location and category of induced errors was marked in each subject's individual MRI. Effects of SMA stimulation were then directly compared to effects of M1 stimulation in four different tasks (finger tapping, writing, line tracing, targeting circles). ResultsMapping of the SMA was possible for all subjects, yet effect sizes varied. Stimulation of the SMA led to a significant reduction of finger taps compared to baseline (BL: 45taps, SMA: 35.5taps; p < 0.01). Line tracing, writing and targeting of circles was less accurate during SMA compared to M1 stimulation. ConclusionMapping of the SMA using repetitive nTMS is feasible. While errors induced in the SMA are not entirely independent of M1, disruption of the SMA induces functionally distinct errors. These error maps can aid preoperative diagnostics in patients with SMA related lesions.

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to develop a repetitive nTMS protocol for non-invasive functional mapping of SMA and assure the effects are caused by SMA activation. The study found that stimulation of SMA led to a significant reduction in finger taps and less accurate performance in other tasks compared to M1 stimulation. These error maps can aid preoperative diagnostics in patients with SMA related lesions.