['To assess the modulation of acute provoked pain by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the motor cortex in patients with chronic neuropathic pain.', 'In 32 patients with chronic neuropathic pain affecting one upper limb, laser-evoked potentials (LEPs) (N2 and P2 components) were recorded in response to laser stimulation of the painful or painless hand, before and after active or sham rTMS applied at 10Hz over the motor cortex corresponding to the painful hand. Laser-induced pain was scored on a visual analogue scale.', 'Both active and sham rTMS reduced N2-P2 amplitude of the LEPs in response to painful or painless hand stimulation, likely due to the decline of attention during the sessions. However, active rTMS, but not sham rTMS, specifically reduced N2 amplitude and N2/P2 amplitude ratio of the painful hand LEPs. Painful hand LEP attenuation correlated with the magnitude of pain relief produced by active rTMS.'] Does motor cortex rTMS reduce acute pain provoked by laser stimulation in patients with chronic neuropathic pain?