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Journal of Neurology

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Open Access 30-11-2023 | Parkinson's Disease | Short Commentary

Novel ultrasound neuromodulation therapy with transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) in Parkinson’s disease: a first retrospective analysis

Authors: Sarah Osou, Sonja Radjenovic, Lena Bender, Martin Gaal, Anna Zettl, Gregor Dörl, Eva Matt, Roland Beisteiner

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 3/2024

Abstract

Background

Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) has been recently introduced as a novel ultrasound neuromodulation therapy with the potential to stimulate the human brain in a focal and targeted manner. Here, we present a first retrospective analysis of TPS as an add-on therapy for Parkinson’s disease (PD), focusing on feasibility, safety, and clinical effects. We also discuss the placebo response in non-invasive brain stimulation studies as an important context.

Methods

This retrospective clinical data analysis included 20 PD patients who received ten sessions of TPS intervention focused on the individual motor network. Safety evaluations were conducted throughout the intervention period. We analyzed changes in motor symptoms before and after TPS treatment using Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS-III).

Results

We found significant improvement in UPDRS-III scores after treatment compared to baseline (pre-TPS: 16.70 ± 8.85, post-TPS: 12.95 ± 8.55; p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.38). Adverse events monitoring revealed no major side effects.

Conclusion

These preliminary findings suggest that TPS can further improve motor symptoms in PD patients already on optimized standard therapy. Findings have to be evaluated in context with the current literature on placebo effects.

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Title: Novel ultrasound neuromodulation therapy with transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) in Parkinson’s disease: a first retrospective analysis
Authors: Sarah Osou
Sonja Radjenovic
Lena Bender
Martin Gaal
Anna Zettl
Gregor Dörl
Eva Matt
Roland Beisteiner
Publication date: 30-11-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Parkinson's Disease
Nerve Stimulation
Published in: Journal of Neurology / Issue 3/2024
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-023-12114-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Novel ultrasound neuromodulation therapy with transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) in Parkinson’s disease: a first retrospective analysis

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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