rTMS: A Treatment to Restore Function After Severe TBI
Abstract
This study is a double blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial using repeated measures. The objective is to improve recovery of functional skills for persons living in states of seriously impaired consciousness 3 to 12 months after severe TBI. This will be achieved by determining the neurobehavioral and neural effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), which is a non-invasive technique to stimulate the brain. The evidence of therapeutic efficacy from the literature in non-TBI related neurologic populations combined with our preliminary findings with severe TBI, indicate that rTMS merits investigation as a neurotherapeutic for severe TBI and that the proposed repetitive TMS protocol should be examined to determine effectiveness in inducing structural and functional neural plasticity and improving neurobehavioral recovery after severe TBI. Specific Aims: Aim I will determine presence, direction and sustainability of rTMS-induced neurobehavioral effects measured with the Disability Rating Scale. Aim II will determine the presence, direction and sustainability of rTMS-induced changes in functional neural activation and whether or not these changes correlate with improving neurobehavioral function. Aim III will examine the effect of rTMS on white fiber tracts and whether or not the rTMS-related effects correlate with improving neurobehavioral function. Aim IV addresses the need to confirm rTMS safety for severe TBI.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1005309
Entities
People
- Theresa Pape
Organizations
- Chicago Association for Research and Education in Science