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Methods: We propose to directly assess the electrophysiological characteristics of the occipital cortex by measuring the electroencephalographic (EEG) responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). In this study, we recorded TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) in 7 blind (1 congenital and 6 late) and 10 sighted subjects by stimulating the left occipital cortex as target site and the left premotor cortex as control site. In n= 6 sighted subjects, TEPs were recorded during eyes-open as well as eyes-closed conditions. Additionally, we registered spontaneous EEG activity during eyes closed and open conditions as well as visually evoked potentials (VEPs) to account for more traditional measurements.

Results: As expected, VEPs were absent in all blind subjects, and EEG alpha power was significantly (P< 0.05) reduced in blind as compared to sighted subjects during the eyes-closed condition. When stimulating the left …