EXPLORE!

CNS Update: The effect of combining TMS with escitalopram on neurological functioning, depression and serum inflammatory factors after a stroke

  1204 Views

eMediNexuS    06 July 2022

A recent study investigated the effect of combining repeated high-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with escitalopram for the treatment of the neurological functioning and post-stroke depression of stroke survivors.

80 persons with post-stroke depression were equally randomized into an observation group and a control group. The control group received oral escitalopram, while the observation group also received transcranial magnetic stimulation at 5Hz. The magnetic stimulation intensity was set to 80% of each persons resting motion threshold. The rTMS was allocated once a day, 5 days a week for 8 weeks. Neurological functioning and depression were assessed by employing National Institutes of Health stroke scoring (NIHSS) and the Hamilton depression scale before and after the 8 weeks of treatment. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in serum samples from the two groups were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Following treatment, the NIHSS and Hamilton scores and TNF-α, IL-2 and IL-6 levels showed a significant improvement in both groups, but were superior in the treated group, on average.

Thus, supplementing escitalopram with high-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation can more effectively improve depression and neurological functioning after a stroke.

To comment on this article,
create a free account.

Sign Up to instantly get access to 10000+ Articles & 1000+ Cases

Already registered?

Login Now

Most Popular Articles

News and Updates

eMediNexus provides latest updates on medical news, medical case studies from India. In-depth medical case studies and research designed for doctors and healthcare professionals.