Current Advances in rTMS: 2024-2025 Neurology Research
The most important clinical studies and guideline updates in repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation over the past two years.
Current Advances in rTMS (2024-2025)
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an evidence-based non-invasive brain stimulation method in neurological and psychiatric disorders. Significant clinical studies and guideline updates have been published in the past two years.
Key Updates
- Depression: Level A evidence — FDA approved, 300+ RCTs
- Neuropathic pain: Level A — motor cortex 10 Hz
- MS fatigue: Level B — DLPFC stimulation
- Addiction: FDA approved for smoking cessation (BrainsWay Deep TMS)
- SAINT protocol: 50 sessions in 5 days — 79% remission in treatment-resistant depression
ALS Research
Low-frequency rTMS targeting glutamate excitotoxicity reduction. Phase 2 data shows 20% slowing in ALS-FRS-R decline. Phase 3 trials being planned.
Alzheimer's Disease
Navigated rTMS (Nexstim) phase 3 — significant ADAS-Cog improvement when combined with cognitive rehabilitation.
Parkinson's Disease
Motor cortex, cerebellar, and multitarget protocols showing UPDRS improvement. Level B evidence for PD depression.
References
- Lefaucheur JP, et al. Clin Neurophysiol. 2024.
- Cole EJ, et al. Am J Psychiatry. 2022.
- Greenfield AL, et al. Nat Rev Neurol. 2024.