A Pilot Randomised Double-Blind Study of the Tolerability and efficacy of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome.

ABSTRACT: This study investigates the effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on persistent post-concussion syndrome (PCS). The study design was a randomized (coin toss), placebo controlled, and double-blind study. Thirty-seven participants with PCS were assessed for eligibility; 22 were randomised and 18 completed the study requirements. Half the participants with PCS were given an Active rTMS intervention and the other half given Sham rTMS over 3 weeks. Follow ups were at the end of treatment and at 30 and 60 days. The primary outcome measure was the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ3 & RPQ13). The results indicate participants with more recent injuries (<12 month), who received Active rTMS, showed significant improvements compared to those of: 1) the same subgroup who received Sham, and 2) those with a longer duration of injury (>14 months) who received Active rTMS. This improvement predominantly manifested in RPQ13 in the follow up periods 1 and 2 months after the intervention (RPQ13 change (mean?±?SD): at 1 month, Active?=?-21.8?±?6.6, Sham?=?-2.2?±?9.8; at 2 months, Active?=?-21.2?±?5.3, Sham?=?-5.4?±?13.7). No improvement was found in the subgroup with longer duration injuries. The results support rTMS as a tolerable and potentially effective treatment option for individuals with a recent (<1 year) concussion.

SUBMITTER: Moussavi Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6445141 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature