The Effect of pT-TMS on Beta Rhythm in Children with Autism Disorder. A MEG Study.

We investigated the beta rhythm in 10 children with autism disorders (six boys and four girls) aged 5-12 (mean± SD: 8.3± 2.1) before and after the application of pico Tesla transcranial magnetic stimulation (pT-TMS) using magnetoencephalography (MEG). The MEG was car-ried out in a magnetically shielded room with a whole-head 122-channel gradiometer. After applying pT-TMS, we observed a beta rhythm increase towards the frequency range of 18-26 Hz in seven out of 10 patients (70%). We created a score that rated the level of improvement for each patient: 1=some change; 2=minor change; and 3=major change. All patients had an improvement in their clinical symptoms after the application of pT-TMS. There was a correlation between the clinical score and the increase of channels in the frequency range 18-26 Hz after pT-TMS. We concluded that the application of pT-TMS affected the beta rhythm in children with autism disorder. Therefore, more studies need to be further conducted.