Title:
Triple-site rTMS for the treatment of chronic tinnitus: a randomized
controlled trial.
Authors:
Lehner A; Schecklmann M; Greenlee MW; Rupprecht R; Langguth B.
Institution:
Lehner, Astrid. Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of
Regensburg, Universitatsstrase 84, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
Schecklmann, Martin. Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy,
University of Regensburg, Universitatsstrase 84, 93053 Regensburg,
Germany.
Greenlee, Mark W. Institute for Psychology, University of Regensburg,
Universitatsstrase 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
Rupprecht, Rainer. Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Universitatsstrase 84, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
Langguth, Berthold. Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy,
University of Regensburg, Universitatsstrase 84, 93053 Regensburg,
Germany.
Source:
Scientific Reports. 6:22302, 2016 Mar 01.
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, 20Hz plus left and right temporoparietal stimulation, 1000 pulses each, 1Hz) or single-site stimulation (left temporoparietal stimulation, 3000 pulses, 1Hz). 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.
Publication Type:
Journal Article. Randomized Controlled Trial. Research Support, Non-U.S.
