The Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Post-stroke Depression

J Korean Assoc EMG Electrodiagn Med 2007;9(1):63-68.
Published online May 10, 2007.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients with post-stroke depression (PSD). Methods: Twenty PSD patients were recruited. Their Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores were greater than 17 points, but did not decrease to less than 15 points by antidepressants. In the experimental group (n=10), rTMS was applied over the left prefrontal cortex with frequency of 10 Hz, intensity of 110% of the motor threshold, duration of 1 second, and 10 trains separated by 60-second pauses for 10 days. In the control group (n=10), sham procedure was performed. Before and 7 days after rTMS, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), BDI, and Hamilton Depression Rating (HAM-D) were assessed. Results: After rTMS, 1) in the experimental group, each BDI and HAM-D score decreased significantly, however, the changes of MMSE and CDR scores were not significant. 2) In the control group, BDI score decreased significantly, however, the changes of MMSE, CDR, and HAM-D scores were not significant, respectively. Conclusion: rTMS may be an effective treatment adjuvant for patients with PSD.

Key Words: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, Depression, Stroke