{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Effects of cerebellar repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation plus physiotherapy in spinocerebellar ataxias - A randomized clinical trial.
{Author}: Grobe-Einsler M;Bork F;Faikus A;Hurlemann R;Kaut O;
{Journal}: CNS Neurosci Ther
{Volume}: 30
{Issue}: 6
{Year}: 2024 Jun
{Factor}: 7.035
{DOI}: 10.1111/cns.14797
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>In absence of drug therapy options, standard treatment for spinocerebellar ataxia consists of symptomatic physiotherapy and speech therapy. New therapeutic options are urgently needed. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a promising therapeutic option, but applicability is limited by lengthy duration of stimulation protocols.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>In this randomized sham controlled clinical trial, patients were assigned to verum (n = 15) or sham (n = 18) cerebellar transcranial magnetic stimulation. To yield best possible treatment effects, both intervention groups received intensified physiotherapy for the duration of the study.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Ataxia severity was reduced by 1.6 points on the Scale for assessment and Rating of Ataxia among patients in the verum group (p < 0.001). Clinical improvement was significantly larger in the verum group, compared to the sham group (p < 0.01). The treatment effect was mainly carried by improved appendicular coordination. Patients in the verum group also significantly improved in the 8 Meter Walk Test (p < 0.05) and PATA rate (p < 0.01).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Cerebellar rTMS ameliorates ataxia severity in patient with spinocerebellar ataxia. Condensing treatment duration to only 5 days without reduction of treatment effects facilitates applicability and therefore broadens availability to larger patient populations.