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Trials
Published in: Trials 1/2009

Open Access 01-12-2009 | Study protocol

Efficacy and safety of bilateral continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) for the treatment of chronic tinnitus: design of a three-armed randomized controlled trial

Authors: Carola Arfeller, Reinhard Vonthein, Stefan K Plontke, Christian Plewnia

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2009

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Abstract

Background

Tinnitus, the perception of sound and noise in absence of an auditory stimulus, has been shown to be associated with maladaptive neuronal reorganization and increased activity of the temporoparietal cortex. Transient modulation of tinnitus by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) indicated that these areas are critically involved in the pathophysiology of tinnitus and suggested new treatment strategies. However, the therapeutic efficacy of rTMS in tinnitus is still unclear, individual response is variable, and the optimal stimulation area disputable. Recently, continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) has been put forward as an effective rTMS protocol for the reduction of pathologically enhanced cortical excitability.

Methods

48 patients with chronic subjective tinnitus will be included in this randomized, placebo controlled, three-arm trial. The treatment consists of two trains of cTBS applied bilaterally to the secondary auditory cortex, the temporoparietal associaction cortex, or to the lower occiput (sham condition) every working day for four weeks. Primary outcome measure is the change of tinnitus distress as quantified by the Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ). Secondary outcome measures are tinnitus loudness and annoyance as well as tinnitus change during and after treatment. Audiologic and speech audiometric measurements will be performed to assess potential side effects. The aim of the present trail is to investigate effectiveness and safety of a four weeks cTBS treatment on chronic tinnitus and to compare two areas of stimulation. The results will contribute to clarify the therapeutic capacity of rTMS in tinnitus.

Trial registration

The trial was registered with the clinical trials register of http://​www.​clinicaltrials.​gov (NCT00518024).
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Efficacy and safety of bilateral continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) for the treatment of chronic tinnitus: design of a three-armed randomized controlled trial
Authors
Carola Arfeller
Reinhard Vonthein
Stefan K Plontke
Christian Plewnia
Publication date
01-12-2009
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Trials / Issue 1/2009
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6215-10-74

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