Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Tinnitus: Optimization by Stimulation of the Cortical Tinnitus Network
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Chronic Tinnitus
- Sponsor
- University of Regensburg
- Enrollment
- 50
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Change of tinnitus severity as measured by the Tinnitus Questionnaire of Goebel&Hiller (contrast baseline versus day 12)
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 9 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is used to modulate both the auditory and non-auditory neural pathways contributing to the perception of phantom sounds.
Detailed Description
Tinnitus is the phantom auditory perception of sound in the absence of an external or internal acoustic stimulus. It is a frequent problem which can interfere significantly with the ability to lead a normal life. Treatment remains difficult. Most available therapies focus on habituation rather than treating the cause. Tinnitus has been shown to be associated with functional reorganization of auditory neural pathways and tonotopic maps in the central auditory system. Consequently, low-frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) applied to the temporoparietal areas has been investigated for the treatment of tinnitus. Additionally, there is growing evidence that a neural network of both auditory and non-auditory cortical areas is involved in the pathophysiology of chronic subjective tinnitus. Targeting several core regions of this network by rTMS might constitute a promising strategy to enhance treatment effects. A new multisite treatment protocol which is supposed to have an effect on both auditory and non-auditory cortical areas will be examined with regard to feasibility, safety and clinical efficacy in patients suffering from chronic tinnitus in a controlled pilot trial.
Investigators
Berthold Langguth, MD, Ph.D.
MD, Ph.D.
University of Regensburg
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Diagnosis of subjective chronic tinnitus
- •THI \> 38
- •Duration of tinnitus more than 6 months
Exclusion Criteria
- •Objective tinnitus
- •Treatable cause of the tinnitus
- •Involvement in other treatments for tinnitus at the same time
- •Clinically relevant psychiatric comorbidity
- •Clinically relevant unstable internal or neurological comorbidity
- •History of or evidence of significant brain malformation or neoplasm, head injury
- •Cerebral vascular events
- •Neurodegenerative disorder affecting the brain or prior brain surgery;
- •Metal objects in and around body that can not be removed
- •Pregnancy
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change of tinnitus severity as measured by the Tinnitus Questionnaire of Goebel&Hiller (contrast baseline versus day 12)
Time Frame: Day 12
Number of treatment responders (TQ reduction ≥5, contrast baseline versus day 12)
Time Frame: Day 12
Secondary Outcomes
- Change in hyperacusis as measured by the German questionnaire "Geräuschüberempfindlichkeitsfragebogen"(Day 180)
- Change in quality of life as measured by the WHOQoL(Day 180)
- Number of treatment responders (TQ reduction ≥5, contrast Baseline versus day 90)(Day 90)
- Change of tinnitus severity as measured by the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and Tinnitus Severity Scale(Day 180)
- Change of depressive symptoms as measured by the Major Depression Inventory (MDI)(Day 90)
- Number of treatment responders (TQ reduction ≥5, contrast Baseline versus day 180)(Day 180)
- Change of tinnitus severity as measured by the Tinnitus Questionaire of Goebel&Hiller(Day 180)