Introduction <p>Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system marked by inflammation and demyelination. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) serves as a biomarker for neurodegeneration. Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may alleviate MS-related symptoms.</p> Objective <p>To assess the effects of intermittent theta burst stimulation (i-TBS), a TMS protocol, on spasticity, disability, quality of life, fatigue, cognition, and serum NfL levels in patients with progressive MS.</p> Methods <p>Thirty-six patients with primary or secondary progressive MS were randomized to either i-TBS (10 sessions over 2 weeks) or control (no stimulation). Outcomes included EDSS, MAS, VAS, walking speed, MSQOL-54, fatigue, cognition, and serum NfL. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 3 months (both groups), and also at 1 month in the i-TBS group.</p> Results <p>i-TBS significantly improved spasticity (<i>p</i> = 0.002), pain (<i>p</i> = 0.002), walking speed (<i>p</i> = 0.001), and daily activities (<i>p</i> = 0.005). Improvements were also observed in verbal learning (<i>p</i> = 0.020) and visuospatial memory (<i>p</i> = 0.006). No significant change in serum NfL levels was detected.</p> Conclusion <p>Although i-TBS did not alter serum NfL levels, it was associated with symptom relief and cognitive gains in progressive MS. These preliminary results support the potential of i-TBS as a supportive neurorehabilitation strategy.</p>

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Intermittent theta burst stimulation improves spasticity, pain and cognitive functions in progressive multiple sclerosis: a pilot study

  • Rezzan Yildiz,
  • Mehmet Ilker Yon,
  • Tahir Kurtulus Yoldas,
  • Evren Yasar,
  • Elif Yalcin Topcuoglu,
  • Funda Eren

摘要

Introduction

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system marked by inflammation and demyelination. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) serves as a biomarker for neurodegeneration. Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may alleviate MS-related symptoms.

Objective

To assess the effects of intermittent theta burst stimulation (i-TBS), a TMS protocol, on spasticity, disability, quality of life, fatigue, cognition, and serum NfL levels in patients with progressive MS.

Methods

Thirty-six patients with primary or secondary progressive MS were randomized to either i-TBS (10 sessions over 2 weeks) or control (no stimulation). Outcomes included EDSS, MAS, VAS, walking speed, MSQOL-54, fatigue, cognition, and serum NfL. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 3 months (both groups), and also at 1 month in the i-TBS group.

Results

i-TBS significantly improved spasticity (p = 0.002), pain (p = 0.002), walking speed (p = 0.001), and daily activities (p = 0.005). Improvements were also observed in verbal learning (p = 0.020) and visuospatial memory (p = 0.006). No significant change in serum NfL levels was detected.

Conclusion

Although i-TBS did not alter serum NfL levels, it was associated with symptom relief and cognitive gains in progressive MS. These preliminary results support the potential of i-TBS as a supportive neurorehabilitation strategy.