Triple-site rTMS for the treatment of chronic tinnitus: a randomized controlled trial.
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ABSTRACT: Recent research indicates that tinnitus is related to alterations of neural networks including temporal, parietal, and prefrontal brain regions. The current study examines a rTMS protocol which targets three central nodes of these networks in a two-arm randomized parallel group trial. Overall, 49 patients with chronic tinnitus were randomized to receive either triple-site stimulation (left dorsolateral prefrontal stimulation, 1000?pulses, 20?Hz plus left and right temporoparietal stimulation, 1000 pulses each, 1?Hz) or single-site stimulation (left temporoparietal stimulation, 3000?pulses, 1?Hz). Both groups were treated in ten sessions. Tinnitus severity as measured by the tinnitus questionnaire was assessed before rTMS (day1), after rTMS (day12) and at two follow-up visits (day 90 and day 180). The triple-site protocol was well tolerated. There was a significant reduction in tinnitus severity for both treatment groups. The triple-site group tended to show a more pronounced treatment effect at day 90. However, the measurement time point x group interaction effect was not significant. The current results confirm former studies that indicated a significant reduction of tinnitus severity after rTMS treatment. No significant superiority of the multisite protocol was observed. Future approaches for the enhancement of treatment effects are discussed.
SUBMITTER: Lehner A
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4772792 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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