Effectiveness of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Patients after Ischemic Stroke: a Prospective Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. Despite the fact that a large number of studies are focused on the rehabilitation of patients with ischemic stroke in the early recovery period, currently, much attention is paid to improving existing and developing new technologies in neurorehabilitation at the early stages of the disease. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a promising technology for the rehabilitation and recovery of patients with movement disorders after a stroke, which has a direct effect on the premotor cortex of the brain. AIM. To assess the effectiveness of TMS in relation to daily activity in a comprehensive medical rehabilitation program in patients with ischemic stroke in the early recovery period. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study included 124 patients aged 55–75 years (53.2 % men and 46.8 % women). The main group included 64 people who received the TMS procedure. The comparison group included 60 patients who received an identical course of treatment, but instead of TMS, they underwent a low-intensity headband magnetic therapy. Treatment effectiveness was assessed using the Rivermead Mobility Index, Rehabilitation Routing Scales, and NIHSS. The severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms was assessed using the HADS scale. The total duration of treatment was 21 days. The dynamics of the patients’ condition was assessed before the start of treatment, 21 days after the course of rehabilitation and 3 months after the start of treatment. RESULTS. The main group showed a significant decrease in neurological deficit according to the NIHSS scale from 15.3 ± 3.6 to 10.1 ± 1.7 (p 0.05), Rivermead Mobility Index decreased from 5.6 ± 1.9 to 10.5 ± 2.4 (p 0.05) and Rehabilitation Routing Scale decreased from 4.3 ± 0.8 to 2.5 ± 0.5 points (p 0.05) since the start of rehabilitation and 3 months after its start. After 3 months, the neurological deficit in the main group was statistically significantly less compared to patients in the comparison group (p 0.5). A significant decrease in depressive symptoms was found in the main group (χ2 = 28.641; p 0.001), while in the control group the dynamics was not significant (χ2 = 7.140; p = 0.129); in addition, there was a regression of the anxiety component both in the main (χ2 = 47.949; p 0.001) and control (χ2 = 12.483; p = 0.015) groups. CONCLUSION. The use of the TMS device at the second stage of rehabilitation significantly reduces the neurological deficit, increases the mobility of patients, and reduces the severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms.