Efficacy and Safety Study of rTMS for Upper Extremity Motor Function Recovery in Ischemic Stroke Patients

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled, Multi-center Clinical Trial to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of rTMS 『TMS』 for Upper Extremity Motor Function Recovery in Patients With Ischemic Stroke

The purpose of this study is to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of rTMS 『TMS』 for Upper Extremity Motor Function Recovery in Patients with Ischemic Stroke

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can modulate the excitability of cortex but exact efficacy and safety of rTMS is not well established.

Eighty four patients will be recruited and will be divided into two groups. Each group will receive the real rTMS or sham rTMS, respectively, over the primary motor cortex of the dominant hand. Individual subject will receive ten sessions of rTMS. Each rTMS session is low frequency (1Hz), total 1800 stimulations.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate efficacy and safety of rTMS 『TMS』 for upper extremity motor function recovery in patients with ischemic stroke.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 20-80 yrs old
• Radiologically confirmed ischemic stroke within 90 days
• Brunnström stage 3-5 in the affected hand (ischemic stroke-induced hemiplegic side)
• Patients received stroke treatment and on secondary prevention medication
• Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous medical histories of stroke, cerebral vascular operation, seizure
• Pregnancy, Breastfeeding
• Patients with hemorrhagic stroke, traumatic brain injury
• Skin lesion in the stimulation site of scalp
• Metal implants in the body (cardiac pacemaker or aneurysm clip)
• Unable to have regular physical and occupational therapies on the affected hand