dDual-target rTMS treatment for adolescent depression with headache: a case report

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Pain Management

Background:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adolescents often co-occurs with headache, causing significant impairment.
• Limited evidence exists for combined affect and pain network targeting in these comorbid cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of a dual-target repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) protocol for adolescent MDD with comorbid headache.

Main Methods:

• A 16-year-old male with a 2-year history of depression and headache received a dual-target rTMS protocol.
• Treatment involved targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and primary motor cortex over 2 weeks (40 sessions).

Main Results:

• The patient experienced significant improvement in both depressive and headache symptoms after the 2-week rTMS treatment.
• The dual-target approach demonstrated potential efficacy in managing comorbid symptoms.

Conclusions:

• An intensified dual-target rTMS protocol may be a feasible treatment option for adolescents with comorbid depression and headache.
• Further prospective studies are required to confirm optimal parameters, long-term effects, and safety.