Effects and Mechanism of Accelerated Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation on Neuropathic Pain
The present study was designed to be the first to evaluate the efficacy of the AiTBS protocol to relieve neuropathic pain in a therapeutic setting, i.e. with repeated stimulation sessions. The investigator directly compared the analgesic efficacy of AiTBS versus conventional 10-Hz rTMS delivered to the left M1. In addition to pain experiences, The investigator examined the effects of intervention on corticospinal excitability that assessed by TMS-EEG. The working hypothesis was that AiTBS would result in larger analgesic and significant cortical excitability changes compared to 10-Hz rTMS. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive either 5 days of AiTBS within 10 days (6 sessions per day) or 10 consecutive days of classic 10Hz rTMS intervention. Clinical and neurophysiological assessments were performed at baseline and after the last sessions.
• IASP diagnosis of peripheral neuropathic pain;
• At least three months after the onset of pain;
• At least moderate pain intensity (≥ 3 assessed by VAS or NRS);
• 18 years or older;
• Stable medical treatment from 2 weeks before allocation to the end of the trial;
• Willing to receive TMS treatment and capable of fulfilling clinical assessments.