Language Localization Using Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in Patients With Epilepsy
Language Localization Using Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in Patients With Epilepsy
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may be able to provide a moderately
 detailed localization of language functions in the brain. We propose to test the ability of
 rTMS to locate the substrate of visual naming to a limited area of the temporal lobe in
 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy before and after surgical resections. The study is
 expected to yield information on the organization of language in the temporal lobes and how
 unilateral temporal lobe lesions and lobectomy cause relocation of language mechanisms in the
 lesioned and in the other hemisphere. It will also be a preliminary step in the development
 of a clinically useful procedure for locating critical language areas in potential surgical
 candidates.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may be able to provide a moderately
 detailed localization of language functions in the brain. We propose to test the ability of
 rTMS to locate the substrate of visual naming to a limited area of the temporal lobe in
 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy before and after surgical resections. The study is
 expected to yield information on the organization of language in the temporal lobes and how
 unilateral temporal lobe lesions and lobectomy cause relocation of language mechanisms in the
 lesioned and in the other hemisphere. It will also be a preliminary step in the development
 of a clinically useful procedure for locating critical language areas in potential surgical
 candidates.
Patients will be drawn from among those referred to the NINDS Epilepsy Research Branch.

 No patients with evidence for a progressive neurological disorder.

 No subjects with metal hardware in the cranial cavity, cardiac pacemakers, indwelling
 medication pumps, cochlear implants, intracardiac lines, significant intracranial masses or
 evidence of increased intracranial pressure.

 Women must not be pregnant.