Efficacy of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on spasticity in Egyptian Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Abstract

Background : One of the most common neurologic disorders is multiple sclerosis. The aim was to improve quality of life, many tools have been employed. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a new established technique to treat spasticity and improve the outcome of rehabilitation program in various neurologic conditions. Aim and objectives : The aim was to assess the effect of high-frequency (HF) rTMS on improving spasticity in a sample of Egyptian patients with MS. Patients and methods : : A total of 40 patients were recruited from the MS unit at Al-Azhar University hospitals with established diagnosis of MS and spasticity. Recruitment started from the beginning of January 2022 for 6 months. Patients were then randomly allocated into two groups. Study group: 20 patients received 12 sessions of HF rTMS over the period of 3 weeks, followed by physical therapy for 30 min. rTMS protocol: contralateral primary motor cortex (M1) was the site of stimulation. A total of 1500 pulses (50 pulses per train with total 30 trains) per session with an intensity of 90% of the resting motor threshold at a frequency of 10 Hz were received. Each train had a duration of 30 s with intertrain delay of 25 s. Control group: 20 patients received only physical therapy of 30 min over the period of 3 weeks. Results : Both groups received their medical treatment and physiotherapy. Compared with the control group, the study group had a statistically signi fi cant improvement. Conclusion : HF rTMS could be bene fi cial in reducing spasticity and enhancing motor recovery in Egyptian patients with MS.