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Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for chronic pain: a protocol for a systematic review
ABSTRACT
Background:
Chronic pain affects an increasingly high prevalence of individuals that impacts physical functioning and quality of life. Current interventions offer small and inconsistent benefits. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been proposed as a non-invasive intervention for this disabling condition. A Cochrane systematic review of 2018 demonstrated low and very low evidence of efficacy with high variability of effects depending of the parameters used and the pain conditions. For example, high-frequency (HF)-rTMS over the primary motor cortex (M1) have been demonstrated as the best parameters.; Several new randomized controlled trials have been published since the last systematic review with variable results.
Objective:
to the objectives of this systematic review is to: (1) assess the efficacy of HF-rTMS over M1 in the treatment of chronic pain; (2) to determine the effects of different rTMS parameters.
Methods:
We will investigate MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Embase.com), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and CINAHL(ESBCO), PsycINFO (Ovid) electronic databases. We will include RCT comparing rTMS to sham stimulation on individuals affected with chronic pain.
Results:
To this date, electronic databases have been searched through, and “titles and abstracts” have been screened. We identified 6743 records, with 2262 duplicate. Then, we have screened 4481 ”titles and abstracts”.
Conclusions:
This review could determine if rTMS is is more effective that a sham to reduce pain intensity in chronic pain conditions. Considering the growing interest and use of rTMS in clinics, it is critical to determine its efficacy for the management of different chronic pain conditions. Clinical Trial: CRD420251230167
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