Mixed-Frequency rTMS Rapidly Modulates Multiscale EEG Biomarkers of Excitation–Inhibition Balance in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Single-Case Report
Background: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an established neuromodulatory method, yet its multiscale neurophysiological effects in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain insufficiently characterized. Recent EEG analytic advances—such as spectral parameterization, long-range temporal correlation (LRTC) assessment, and connectivity analysis—offer new insights into excitation-inhibition balance and neural dynamics that may clarify how rTMS exerts its effects.
Methods: We present a single-case study of a young adult male with ASD who underwent a mixed-frequency rTMS protocol targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). QEEG assessments were conducted pre- and post-intervention using a 19-channel montage. We analyzed spectral power, aperiodic (1/f) slope, theta/beta ratio (TBR), detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) exponents, and coherence/phase-lag index (PLI) metrics.