INFLUENCE OF TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION ON THE ACTIVATION OF NEUROPLASTICITY PROCESSES AND NEUROTROPHIC FACTORS IN THE ACUTE PERIOD OF STROKE

The acute period of ischemic stroke is characterized by the formation of an ischemic penumbra zone, where neurons retain structural integrity but temporarily lose functional activity. Functional recovery in this zone directly depends on the speed of initiating neuroplasticity mechanisms — the brain's ability to reorganize neural connections. A key role in this process is played by neurotrophic factors, particularly brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports neuronal survival and stimulates synaptogenesis. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a powerful tool for non-invasive neuromodulation; however, its effect on BDNF levels and markers of neuroplasticity specifically in the acute phase of stroke has been insufficiently studied 11.