Changes in Intracortical Excitability of Affected and Unaffected Hemispheres After Stroke Evaluated by Paired-Pulse Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

Objective: To assess the altered pattern of intracortical excitability of the affected and unaffected hemispheres in stroke patients using paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Methods: We evaluated intracortical inhibition (ICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF) in both hemispheres at acute and subacute stages of 103 stroke patients using paired-pulse TMS. The patients were divided into two groups: mild-to-moderate patients whose motor evoked potential (MEP) was recorded in the affected hemisphere; and severe patients whose MEP was not recorded in the affected hemisphere.