Promising Results for rTMS as a New MS Therapy
A recent study involving 20 participants with multiple sclerosis (MS) explored the potential of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a new treatment option.
A recent study involving 20 participants with multiple sclerosis (MS) explored the potential of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a new treatment option. While early results showed no significant changes in brain scans, symptoms, or cognitive and motor abilities, the therapy was found to be safe, well-tolerated, and highly acceptable among participants.
What is rTMS?
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate oligodendrocytes—cells in the brain responsible for repairing nerve damage. In lab models, rTMS has shown promise in promoting the regeneration of oligodendrocytes, potentially aiding in the repair of the nerve damage seen in MS.
Promising Results for rTMS as a New MS Therapy
The Study
Published in the Multiple Sclerosis Journal (Experimental, Translational, and Clinical), the study aimed to assess the safety, tolerability, and feasibility of rTMS for people with MS. Researchers also wanted to evaluate whether rTMS could bring about changes in brain scans (MRI), symptoms, and cognitive or motor abilities.
Study Design
Funded by MS Australia, the trial included 20 participants with MS, who were randomly assigned to receive either real rTMS (13 participants) or sham (placebo) treatment (7 participants). Over 4-5 weeks, participants underwent 20 sessions of rTMS, with each session involving 600 magnetic pulses to each side of the brain. The primary focus was on safety and tolerability, while changes in clinical outcomes were secondary.
Key Findings
High Compliance: About 85% of participants completed the full course of treatment, indicating good adherence to the protocol.
Blinding Success: Participants were kept unaware of whether they were receiving real or sham treatment, ensuring the reliability of the results.
No Significant Clinical Changes: There were no notable differences in brain scans, symptoms, or cognitive and motor abilities between the real and sham treatment groups.
Adverse Events: Five participants experienced adverse events, including one serious event, but none were linked to the rTMS treatment itself.
While the study did not show significant improvements in clinical measures, the results suggest that rTMS is a safe and well-tolerated treatment option for people with MS. The high compliance rate indicates that the treatment is feasible for MS patients to adhere to.
This research marks an important first step in exploring rTMS as a potential therapeutic approach for MS. Although further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness in promoting brain repair and improving symptoms, the study provides promising evidence that rTMS could play a role in future MS treatments.
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