In a nutshell
This study reviewed the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to treat depression in patients with Parkinson´s disease. Researchers suggested that rTMS is associated with positive effects in the treatment of depression in these patients.
Some background
Parkinson´s disease is caused by the loss of certain brain cells. The symptoms can be physical such as tremors and muscle rigidity and non-physical such as depression. Non-physical symptoms tend to go unnoticed by doctors and can reduce the quality of life of these patients.
rTMS is a non-invasive method of brain stimulation. This method delivers electric currents to the brain through the skull. Prior studies have shown improved outcomes in physical symptoms and depression in patients treated with rTMS. However, it is still not clear the how rTMS helps in treating the symptoms of these patients.
Methods & findings
This study reviewed data from 23 other studies.
Most of these studies found positive effects on mood, thereby improving depression in these patients. Most studies agreed that a 2-4-week rTMS treatment with high-frequency magnetic pulses has similar results on depression in patients with PD as those achieved with antidepressant drugs.
One study found that 10 daily sessions of rTMS had similar effects on depression with fluoxetine, a commonly used antidepressant drug. This was achieved along with the benefits of motor improvements and fewer side effects.
The bottom line
This review showed that rTMS had beneficial effects on depression associated with Parkinson´s disease.?
Published By :
Journal of the neurological sciences
Date :
Aug 15, 2018
