Non-invasive Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation of the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Patients With Functional Movement Disorders

Background:

Functional movement disorder (FMD) causes involuntary movements, such as spasms, shaking, or jerks. These symptoms are not due to a recognized neurological or medical cause. Researchers want to better understand how the brain works to cause these symptoms.

Objective:

To test if intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) affects brain areas involved in FMD symptoms. Also, to look at the effect of iTBS on mood and motor symptoms.

Eligibility:

Right-handed people ages 18-65 who have FMD and participated in protocol 07-N-0190

Design:

Participants will have 4 visits.

In Visit 1, participants will be screened with:

Medical history

Physical exam

Urine test

Questionnaires

Visit 1 might also include a brain MRI and functional MRI. The MRI scanner is a cylinder surrounded by a strong magnetic field. They will lie on a table that can slide in and out of the cylinder. For the functional MRI, they will be asked to perform tasks during the MRI scan.

Visit 2 will be 1-2 weeks after Visit 1. Visits 2, 3, and 4 will be no more than 48 hours apart. These include:

Electromyography: Small electrodes are taped to the skin. Muscle activity is recorded while participants receive magnetic stimulation of the brain.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation and iTBS: A wire coil is held on the scalp. A brief electrical current passes through the coil and creates a magnetic pulse to stimulate the brain. During iTBS, participants will sit quietly and watch a nature documentary. They will wear earplugs and a cap.

MRI

Functional MRI

Questionnaires