In a nutshell
This study investigated the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) at controlling the symptoms of Parkinson´s patients. Researchers suggested that rTMS reduced the symptoms of these patients.
Some background
Parkinson’s is a progressive disease. Medications are the main treatment option, but eventually symptoms return. Other treatments are then needed. Some treatments, such as deep brain stimulation, are invasive and require surgery. Also, it may not improve symptoms such as movement and balance problems.
Newer treatments, such as rTMS, are being investigated. In rTMS, magnetic pulses are delivered directly to the brain. The effectiveness of rTMS in Parkinson’s disease is still under investigation.
Methods & findings
The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of RTMS in Parkinson´s patients.
This study reviewed patients´ information from 21 other studies. These studies compared patients treated with rTMS to patients treated with a sham (fake) treatment.
Overall, rTMS was associated with improved motor symptoms. There was significant improvement for low pulse intensities, while high pulse intensities were associated with a trend towards statistical significance. Patients saw improvement for up to 6 weeks following treatment.
The bottom line
This study determined that rTMS was an effective treatment for the motor symptoms of Parkinson´s symptoms.
The fine print
There was not sufficient evidence to determine the effect of rTMS on individual symptoms such as gait problems or issues with voluntary movement (dyskinesia) due to treatment with levodopa.
Published By :
PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation
Date :
Apr 01, 2016
