Abstract: Objective To explore the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on cognitive ability of patients after ischemic stroke. Methods 45 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) after ischemic stroke were randomly assigned into control group (n=22) and observation group (n=23). Both groups received routine drugs and cognitive training. The observation group received rTMS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) (5 Hz, 80% motor threshold) in addition for 4 weeks. Results The score of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), P300 latencies and amplitudes improved after treatment in both groups (P<0.001), and were better in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). The MoCA score was negatively related with P300 latency (r=-0.851, P<0.05). There was no severe adverse effect during the treatment. Conclusion rTMS could improve the cognitive ability of patients with MCI after stroke, with little side effect.

Key words: cerebral infarction, mild cognitive impairment, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, event-related potential, P300