High and low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in smoking cessation: A systematic review

Abstract@#Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a non-invasive brain stimulation process popularly used to treat psychiatric disorders. Multiple evidence shows effectiveness of rTMS in treating addiction, particularly in tobacco or cigarette users. This study consisted of review of current published literatures on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation following predefined eligibility criteria. The studies included evaluated at least one of the epidemiological parameters: (i) the meaning of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (ii) Effectiveness of the Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Simulation Over Behavioral therapy (iii) rTMS-associated adverse events among tobacco users@*Methodology@#We included published studies discussing rTMS in smoking cessation which examined if these interventions were effective and identified whether it has a severe negative effect on the patients. A total of 104 related studies were identified through database searches (Pubmed, Elsevier, Cochrane). Of which, 53 duplicate studies were removed. Five studies were then excluded with more than 10 years in publication. A total of 28 papers were then included in the study.@*Conclusion@#We conclude that rTMS is more effective in treating addiction in terms of smoking compared to behavioral therapy and rTMS affects triggered desired circuit which may be crucial among tobacco users. Individual neuronal excitability in the specific region’s subsequent induction may impact the therapeutic outcomes. With this, the high-frequency rTMS sequentially applied to the left superior medial frontal cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may be an effective tool for improving the cessation rate.

Complete excision of a rare case of Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma (SEGA) in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

@#Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma is a rare tumor that occurs in the walls of the lateral ventricles, foramen of Monro, and less frequently, in the third ventricle. It is one of the intracranial lesions found in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) ─ a rare multisystem genetic disease. We present a rare case of an adult Filipino with cutaneous signs of TSC, who initially presented with signs of increased intracranial pressure. The patient underwent right frontal craniotomy, endoport-assisted excision of the tumor with insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. Histopathology was consistent with a subependymal giant-cell astrocytoma WHO grade 1. The general status of the patient improved thereafter – there was the relief of headache and improvement in vision and gross hearing. Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma is a rare tumor of the central nervous system especially in adults, whose diagnosis is based on clinical, radiological, and histological, and immunohistochemical stains. It should be included in the differential diagnosis of a mass near the foramen of Monro. Given the hereditary nature of the disease, genetic counseling is essential when encountering patients with this condition.