rTMS May Help Reduce Seizures in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
Source: Epileptic disorders : international epilepsy journal with videotape
Summary
A recent study looked at the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as an additional treatment for adults with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), which means their seizures do not respond well to standard medications. Researchers reviewed 12 studies involving 150 participants to see how rTMS affected seizure frequency before and after treatment. They followed strict guidelines to ensure the review was thorough and reliable.
The findings showed that rTMS led to a small but significant decrease in the number of seizures at 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. However, there was no noticeable change immediately after the rTMS sessions. Some participants experienced side effects like headaches and hearing issues, but there were also reports of improved quality of life and reduced depression in some cases.
This research is important because it suggests that rTMS could be a helpful option for some adults with DRE, even though the overall effect on seizure frequency is modest. However, the evidence quality was mixed, and the studies varied in their results. More extensive and well-designed studies are needed to better understand how effective rTMS can be for people with epilepsy.
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