Transcranial static magnetic field stimulation over hMT+ inhibits visual motion discriminability

Takami A., Kawajiri T., Komiyama T., et al. Transcranial static magnetic field stimulation over hMT+ inhibits visual motion discriminability. Scientific Reports 14, 1109 (2024); https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-51097-x.Visuomotor performance acting on a moving target is fundamentally based on visual motion discriminability, and its neural basis is presumed to be human MT (hMT+), a motion vision center of the dorsal visual pathway. In this study, we investigated whether and how the accuracy and speed of motion discrimination are affected by applying transcranial static magnetic field stimulation (tSMS) to hMT+, which reduces cortical excitability. Sixteen participants performed a motion direction discrimination (MDD) task using a random dot kinematogram before (Pre-test) and during (During-test) application of the tSMS over left hMT+. The correct rate of the MDD task was significantly lower in the During-test compared to the Pre-test, an effect not seen with the sham condition. The inhibition effects were observed only for the right visual field corresponding to hMT+ in the stimulated hemisphere. On the other hand, no modulatory effect of tSMS was observed in the reaction time. We, therefore, demonstrated the inhibitory effect of tSMS on the left hMT+ impairs the accuracy but not the speed of motion information processing in the contralateral visual field

Usefulness of endoscopic third ventriculostomy for hydrocephalus from pineal lesion meningioma in an elderly patient: A case report

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a major treatment procedure for obstructive hydrocephalus in children and adults. However, previous studies to predict the outcome of ETV, such as ETV success score, were primarily based on pediatric populations; hence, the effectiveness of ETV in elderly populations remains unclear. Here, we report the case of an 80-year-old woman with cognitive impairment and gait disturbance due to obstructive hydrocephalus caused by a pineal region meningioma. Considering that the radical resection was risky for this patient, simultaneous endoscopic tumor biopsy and ETV was performed. Based on the histopathological findings, the patient was diagnosed with meningioma. Cognition improved and gait disturbances diminished gradually 2 months after the operation. Surgical treatments for the elderly patients should not compromise activity of daily living (ADL). Our findings might help the management of elderly patients with obstructive hydrocephalus, especially in aging societies