Low‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of refractory partial epilepsy: A controlled clinical study

Abstract

SUMMARYPurpose: This study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on patients with refractory partial epilepsy. Methods: Sixty-four patients with refractory focal epilepsy were screened and 60 patients were randomly divided into two groups by stimulation intensity: 90% (group 1) or 20% (group 2) of resting motor threshold (rMT). Seizure frequency and interictal EEG epileptic discharges were compared between the baseline and follow-up periods. Key Findings: Seizures significantly decreased following 2-weeks high intensity (90% rMT) rTMS treatment compared with baseline level (p < 0.05). rTMS also decreased interictal epilepsy discharges and improved the scales of Symptom Checklist-90 significantly (p < 0.05). Seizures and spikes in the follow-up period in the patients who received low intensity (20% rMT) rTMS did not show any difference compared with baseline data (p > 0.05, respectively). Significance: Low-frequency high intensity rTMS (90% rMT) delivered into the epileptogenic zone had a significant antiepileptic effect on patients with refractory partial seizures. rTMS treatment can also reduce the interictal epileptic discharge frequency and improve the psychological condition of these patients.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in neurology and psychiatry

“…Проведенные исследования дали про-тиворечивые результаты. Из пяти вышеупомянутых ис-следований [115][116][117][118][119] только в двух [117,119] получены достоверные данные о снижении частоты приступов по сравнению с группой плацебо.…”

A new bifurcation parameter in a modified Huber-Braun model

“…Among the non-invasive stimulation methods, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) have been used experimentally to suppress seizures in epilepsy patients [11,12]. It has been shown that applying the low-frequency high intensity rTMS on the focus of an epileptic seizure has a meaningful antiepileptic result on patients [13]. Besides, the rTMS therapy can also decrease the frequency of the epileptiform discharges, whereby improving the psychological status of these patients [13].…”

“…It has been shown that applying the low-frequency high intensity rTMS on the focus of an epileptic seizure has a meaningful antiepileptic result on patients [13]. Besides, the rTMS therapy can also decrease the frequency of the epileptiform discharges, whereby improving the psychological status of these patients [13].…”

A facilitation tool: transcranial magnetic stimulation in epilepsy research

“…Besides the stimuli, the coil is also found contributing to the effectiveness of TMS. According to several reports, the precise and focal targeting of the coil to the epileptogenic foci during stimulation is the prerequisite to achieve positive therapeutic results (7,10). The geometry and placement of the coil determine the activated zone of TMS in brain.…”

“…Review tion of subjects with superficial epileptogenic foci, precise and focal targeting the foci, and appropriate stimulation parameters such as frequency and intensity, which suggest the possibility to reduce the number of epileptic discharges or abnormalities with right choice of patients and methodologies (6,7,10). These studies, showing positive effects or not, are worth further expansion.…”