Premium
Low‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of refractory partial epilepsy: A controlled clinical study
Author(s) -
Sun Wei,
Mao Wei,
Meng Xianghong,
Wang Dequan,
Qiao Liang,
Tao Wei,
Li Liping,
Jia Xiaoying,
Han Chunyu,
Fu Mengmeng,
Tong Xiaoyan,
Wu Xun,
Wang Yuping
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
epilepsia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.687
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1528-1167
pISSN - 0013-9580
DOI - 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2012.03626.x
Subject(s) - transcranial magnetic stimulation , ictal , epilepsy , refractory (planetary science) , anesthesia , intensity (physics) , medicine , electroencephalography , stimulation , psychology , psychiatry , physics , quantum mechanics , astrobiology
Summary Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of low‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on patients with refractory partial epilepsy. Methods: Sixty‐four patients with refractory focal epilepsy were screened and 60 patients were randomly divided into two groups by stimulation intensity: 90% (group 1) or 20% (group 2) of resting motor threshold (rMT). Seizure frequency and interictal EEG epileptic discharges were compared between the baseline and follow‐up periods. Key Findings: Seizures significantly decreased following 2‐weeks high intensity (90% rMT) rTMS treatment compared with baseline level (p < 0.05). rTMS also decreased interictal epilepsy discharges and improved the scales of Symptom Checklist‐90 significantly (p < 0.05). Seizures and spikes in the follow‐up period in the patients who received low intensity (20% rMT) rTMS did not show any difference compared with baseline data (p > 0.05, respectively). Significance: Low‐frequency high intensity rTMS (90% rMT) delivered into the epileptogenic zone had a significant antiepileptic effect on patients with refractory partial seizures. rTMS treatment can also reduce the interictal epileptic discharge frequency and improve the psychological condition of these patients.