Does deep TMS really works for smoking cessation? A prospective, double blind, randomized, sham controlled study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Addiction Medicine
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Many smokers struggle to quit using existing methods.
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) targets brain areas involved in addiction.
• Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) with the H4 coil specifically targets the lateral prefrontal cortex and insula.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety and effectiveness of dTMS with the H4 coil for smoking cessation.
• To evaluate if dTMS can aid individuals in quitting tobacco use.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted.
• Adult smokers (≥10 cigarettes/day) received either active or sham dTMS (n=50 each) over 12 weeks.
• Smoking cessation was verified using self-report, expired air monoximetry, and blood cotinine levels.

Main Results:

• The intention-to-treat analysis showed a 14.0% cessation rate in both active and sham groups.
• No serious adverse events were reported, though three participants withdrew due to safety criteria.
• Reported side effects were consistent with the dTMS procedure.

Conclusions:

• dTMS utilizing the H4 coil is a safe intervention for smoking cessation.
• The H4 coil dTMS did not demonstrate efficacy in helping participants quit smoking.