Transcranial static magnetic field stimulation

Focal application of a relatively strong permanent magnet over the human cortex induces neurophysiological and behavioral effects. This discovery led to the inclusion of transcranial static magnetic field stimulation (tSMS) into the family of noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques. The safety, simplicity, portability, and low-cost of tSMS make it particularly appealing for possible clinical and research applications. Similarly to all NIBS techniques, we are far from understanding the exact mechanisms by which tSMS produces its effects, but converging evidence suggests that modulation of ionic interchange across the membrane may be responsible for its physiological effects at the cellular level. There are no data yet supporting clear effects of tSMS in clinical applications, but a number of ongoing studies suggest that clinical results will become available soon.