[The new technique of studying cranial nerves VII, XI and XII: electroneurography by transcranial magnetic stimulation].

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) technique has been applied to the study of VII, XI and XII cranial nerves in 5 normal subjects, comparing the results with those obtained by conventional electrical stimulation. This technique allows us to study in a painless way the nerve function in all its pathway (motor cortex-motoneurone-muscle). In some cases, TMS yields potentials of a greater amplitude than those obtained by electrical stimulation, due to its capacity to penetrate deeply and stimulate all the fibers of the nerve.