Investigating Neurometabolite Changes in Response to Median Nerve Stimulation.

Background: Rhythmic median nerve stimulation (MNS) at 10 Hz has been shown to cause a substantial reduction in tic frequency in individuals with Tourette syndrome. The mechanism of action is currently unknown but is hypothesized to involve entrainment of oscillations within the sensorimotor cortex.

Objective: We used functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy (fMRS) to explore the dynamic effects of MNS on neurometabolite concentrations.

The oscillatory effects of rhythmic median nerve stimulation.

Entrainment of brain oscillations can be achieved using rhythmic non-invasive brain stimulation, and stimulation of the motor cortex at a frequency associated with sensorimotor inhibition can impair motor responses. Despite the potential for therapeutic application, these techniques do not lend themselves to use outside of a clinical setting. Here, the aim was to investigate whether rhythmic median nerve stimulation (MNS) could be used to entrain oscillations related to sensorimotor inhibition.