In a nutshell
This study investigated if repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (RTMS) combined with fluoxetine (Prozac; an antidepressant drug) improves treatment of patients with stroke. Researchers suggested that this combined treatment improves treatment outcomes.
Some background
Stroke is the main cause of long-term disability worldwide. A stroke happens when the blood flow to the brain is cut off. Brain cells stop receiving oxygen and begin to die. The abilities controlled by these cells are lost causing symptoms such as arm or leg disability. 55 to 75% of stroke survivors have limitations 3 to 6 months later affecting their quality of life.
Prior studies showed that both RTMS and fluoxetine separately could improve the symptoms of these patients. However, the effectiveness of these treatments combined is not known.
Methods & findings
This study included 27 stroke survivors with arm disability. These patients were assigned to receive the combined treatment, fluoxetine alone or placebo (a treatment with no effect on the body). Participants received 18 sessions of RTMS or fake RTMS and 90 days of fluoxetine or placebo.
There was a greater improvement in hand function in the combined treatment than in the other two groups. The fluoxetine alone group had less improvement than placebo. This shows that fluoxetine possibly had limited effects. Moreover, fluoxetine was negatively associated with the improvement of movement symptoms.
The bottom line
This study concluded that the combined treatment with RTMS and fluoxetine improves the symptoms of stroke survivors.
The fine print
This study included a limited number of participants. Further studies with a bigger population are needed.
Published By :
Neurorehabilitation and neural repair
Date :
Jul 09, 2019
