Trial of Transcranial Stimulation for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
Abstract
In a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study, we have demonstrated that tDCS of the motor and frontal cortex is safe and improves bradykinesia for a longer time period and also gait in patients with moderate PD. This improvement beyond optimal dopaminergic treatment suggests efficacy also on non-dopaminergic deficits and highlights its usefulness as an adjunctive therapeutic tool in PD. This study has been terminated (project A-13864.1: "Transcranial Electrical Polarization for the Treatment of Bradykinesia and Rigidity in Patients with Parkinson's Disease").The rTMS has shown promising results in treating PD, but the best values for rTMS parameters are not established. Since 50 Hz rTMS may be superior to </= 25 Hz rTMS investigated so far and exceeds current safety limits, the objective of this second project (A-13864.2 "Safety Study of the Super Rapid Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Patients with Parkinson's Disease") was to determine if 50 Hz rTMS could be delivered safely in PD patients. The results suggest that 50 Hz rTMS at an intensity of 90% RMT for 2 sec are safe in patients with PD. This study is being terminated.In the third project (A-13864.3 "Super Rapid Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Bradykinesia and Rigidity in Patients with Parkinson's Disease"), we are investigating the safety and efficacy of 50 Hz rTMS for the treatment of PD using a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study design.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 2010
- Accession Number
- AD1010933
Entities
People
- David Benninger
- Mark Hallett
Organizations
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine