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Randomized trial of rTMS in traumatic brain injury: improved subjective neurobehavioral symptoms and increases in EEG
Laura M Franke1,2, George T Gitchel2,3, Robert A Perera4
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.
Primary Objective:
While repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has shown efficacy for cognitive difficulties accompanying depression, it is unknown if it can improve cognition in persons with traumatic brain injury.
Research Design:
Using a sham-controlled crossover design, we tested the capacity of high frequency rTMS of the prefrontal cortex to improve neuropsychological performance in attention, learning and memory, and executive function.
Methods:
Twenty-six participants with cognitive complaints and a history of mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury were randomly assigned to receive first either active or sham 10 Hz stimulation for 20 minutes (1200 pulses) per session for five consecutive days. After a one-week washout, the other condition (active or sham) was applied. Pre- and post-treatment measures included neuropsychological tests, cognitive and emotional symptoms, and EEG.
Main Outcomes And Results:
Results indicated no effect of treatment on cognitive function. Subjective measures of depression, sleep dysfunction, post-concussive symptoms (PCS), and executive function showed significant improvement with stimulation, retaining improved levels at two-week follow-up. EEG delta power exhibited elevation one week after stimulation cessation.
Conclusions:
While there is no indication that rTMS is beneficial for neuropsychological performance, it may improve PCS and subjective cognitive dysfunction. Long-term alterations in cortical oscillations may underlie the therapeutic effects of rTMS.
