Repetitive Transcranial Stimulation (r-TMS) Treatment for Patients With Parkinson's Disease

Efficacy and Safety Study:The Influence of Repetitive Transcranial Stimulation (r-TMS) Treatment on Motor and Cognitive Measurements in Patients With Parkinson's Disease

The purpose of this study is to test the effects of deep rTMS using the novel H-coil on the motor, affective and cognitive deficits in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and to establish its safety in this population.

Study rational:We anticipate that reaching deeper brain layers and larger volume of activation with the novel H-coil may induce significantly better therapeutic effects in patients with PD and will pave the way for establishing a novel and effective treatment for this disorder.

Design:A prospective, double blind sham-controled study. No. of centers:1 One: Tel-Hashomer Medical Center, affiliated to Sackler school of Medicine, Tel -Aviv University, Israel.

Study Population:Forty patients with idiopathic PD, Hoehn and Yahr stages II to IV, on stable antiparkinsonian therapy, with partial response.

Study Duration:Two years

Inclusion Criteria:

• PD patients aged 40 years or older, diagnosed as idiopathic PD according to the UK Brain Bank criteria, with Hoehn & Yahr stages II - IV while "off". Participants on antidepressants should be at least 2 months on stable therapy.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have concomitant epilepsy, a history of seizure or heat convulsion or history of epilepsy in first degree relative.
• Patients on neuroleptics.
• Patients with dementia or any unstable medical disorder.
• History or current hypertension.
• History of head injury or neurosurgical interventions.
• History of any metal in the head (outside the mouth).
• Known history of any metallic particles in the eye, implanted cardiac pacemaker or any intracardiac lines, implanted neurostimulators, surgical clips or any medical pumps.
• History of migraine or frequent or severe headaches.
• History of hearing loss.
• The presence of cochlear implants
• History of drug abuse or alcoholism.
• Pregnancy or not using a reliable method of birth control.
• Participation in current clinical study or clinical study within 30 days prior to this study.