Article

The aim of this study was to determine whether low-frequency
repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to the right
dorsolateral prefrontal cortex or high-frequency rTMS applied to the left motor
cortex could influence pain level or mood status in patients with intractable
fibromyalgia. DESIGN: Fifteen women with fibromyalgia were randomized to
low-frequency (1 Hz), high-frequency (10 Hz), or sham stimulation. The patients
underwent ten consecutive sessions according to rTMS protocol. The number of
tender points and the Korean version of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire
were used to assess disease status, a visual analog scale was used to measure
level of pain, and the Beck Depression Inventory was used to assess mood status.
All subjects were evaluated before, immediately after, and 1 mo after rTMS.
RESULTS: In the low-frequency group, the Beck Depression Inventory scores
significantly decreased from baseline to 1 mo after rTMS. The visual analog scale
and Korean version of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire scores significantly
decreased immediately after rTMS. In the high-frequency group, the visual analog
scale and Beck Depression Inventory scores were significantly decreased
immediately after rTMS. CONCLUSIONS: Low-frequency rTMS may play a role in the
long-term treatment of fibromyalgia. Notably, the findings of this study are the
first to show that the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex or the left motor
cortex rTMS could have an antidepressive and pain-modulating effect in patients
with fibromyalgia.

Langue : ANGLAIS