In a nutshell
This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-RTMS) to treat depression in patients with stroke. Researchers suggested that HF-RTMS improved depression in these patients.
Some background
A stroke occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is cut off. When this happens, brain cells do not receive oxygen and begin to die. The abilities controlled by these cells are lost such as muscle function.
Stroke survivors often experience depression which can drastically affect their treatment. Anti-depression drugs are of limited effectiveness and are associated with several negative side effects.
HF-RTMS consists of a device that delivers magnetic impulses to specific areas of the brain. It has been found to be a safe option for the treatment of major depressive disorder. However, too little is known about the possible side effects of the treatment and its effectiveness after a stroke.
Methods & findings
This study reviewed 17 other studies on HF-RTMS for depression. It included information about 1171 patients with stroke.
Patients who had undergone HF-RTMS had significantly positive effects on depression. The HF-RTMS group was 3.3 times more likely to experience a reduction of depression scores. This group also was 2.7 times more likely to have remission of depression compared to patients who did not have HF-RTMS.
However, the HF-RTMS group also experiences more side effects. They were 3.5 times more likely to have headaches compared to the control group.
The bottom line
This study concluded that HF-RTMS is a safe option to treat depression in patients with stroke, with manageable side effects.
The fine print
The studies included in this analysis had different protocols. This might have affected the results.
Published By :
Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
Date :
Apr 16, 2019
