Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Stimulus Controllability on Pain Perception

Although transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is now considered a minimal risk intervention, is approved for the treatment of depression, and is widely used around the world, little is known about mechanisms of action of prefrontal rTMS for depression or pain. There is some evidence that the prefrontal cortex is involved in perception of control and may moderate the effects of perceived controllability on emotional reactivity to painful stimuli. The present study aims to investigate the effects of prefrontal rTMS and perceived controllability on pain perception in healthy adults.