Role of High Frequency RTMS in Management of Opioid Use Disorder

Role of High Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Management of Patients with Opioid Use Disorder in Upper Egypt

This study aims to evaluate the role of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in reducing pain, decreasing craving, alleviating withdrawal symptoms, lowering relapse rates, reducing impulsivity, and improving cognitive function in patients with Opioid Use Disorder, while also evaluating associated factors.

Addiction is a complex, chronic brain condition influenced by genes and the environment that is characterized by substance use or compulsive actions that continue despite harmful consequences. For a long time, addiction meant an uncontrollable habit of using alcohol or other drugs as opioid. More recently, the concept of addiction has expanded to include behaviors, as well as substances, and even ordinary and necessary activities, such as exercise and eating.

Speaking of opioid addiction, Opioid addiction is a long-lasting (chronic) disease that can cause major health, social, and economic problems. Opioids are a class of drugs that act in the nervous system to produce feelings of pleasure and pain relief. Some opioids are legally prescribed by healthcare providers to manage severe and chronic pain. Commonly prescribed opioids include oxycodone, fentanyl, buprenorphine, methadone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine. Some other opioids, such as heroin, are illegal drugs of abuse.

Opioid addiction is characterized by a powerful, compulsive urge to use opioid drugs, even when they are no longer required medically. Opioids have a high potential for causing addiction in some people, even when the medications are prescribed appropriately and taken as directed. Many prescription opioids are misused or diverted to others. Individuals who become addicted may prioritize getting and using these drugs over other activities in their lives, often negatively impacting their professional and personal relationships. It is unknown why some people are more likely to become addicted than others.

Inclusion criteria:

• Male
• Age 18- 40
• Opioid use disorder

Exclusion criteria:

• Individuals with mental disorders (such as primary psychosis, schizophrenia, mental retardation, and brain damage induced mental disorder),
• History of epilepsy
• History of cardiovascular complications.
• History of contraindications to TMS (e.g. metal implants in the head).