ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can modify spasticity. METHODS: We used high-frequency (5 Hz) and low-frequency (1 Hz) rTMS protocols in 19 remitting patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and lower limb spasticity. RESULTS: A single session of 1 Hz rTMS over the leg primary motor cortex increased H/M amplitude ratio of the soleus H reflex, a reliable neurophysiologic measure of stretch reflex. Five hertz rTMS decreased H/M amplitude ratio of the soleus H reflex and increased corticospinal excitability. Single sessions did not induce any effect on spasticity. A significant improvement of lower limb spasticity was observed when rTMS applications were repeated during a 2-week period. Clinical improvement was long-lasting (at least 7 days after the end of treatment) when the patients underwent 5 Hz rTMS treatment during a 2-week protocol. No effect was obtained after a 2-week sham stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation may improve spasticity in multiple sclerosis.
Subject(s)
Motor Cortex/physiopathology , Multiple Sclerosis/complications , Muscle Spasticity/etiology , Muscle Spasticity/therapy , Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation/methods , Adult , Female , H-Reflex/physiology , Humans , Leg/physiopathology , Male , Middle Aged , Multiple Sclerosis/physiopathology , Muscle Contraction/physiology , Muscle Hypertonia/etiology , Muscle Hypertonia/physiopathology , Muscle Hypertonia/therapy , Muscle Spasticity/physiopathology , Muscle, Skeletal/innervation , Muscle, Skeletal/physiopathology , Pyramidal Tracts/physiopathology , Reflex, Abnormal/physiology , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Few studies focused on the effects of cabergoline on sleep-wake cycle in PD. Twelve patients affected by PD treated with levodopa as monotherapy underwent two 24-hour ambulatory polysomnographic (A-PSG) sessions twice: in baseline condition (levodopa as monotherapy) and after addition of cabergoline. In each condition, a subjective evaluation of sleep quality and daytime sleepiness was obtained by means of Parkinson's disease Sleep Scale (PDSS) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The statistical analysis of sleep parameters revealed a significant increase of sleep efficiency and slow wave sleep under cabergoline. The PDSS total score showed a significant improvement of overall sleep quality after cabergoline. No significant changes in daytime sleepiness were observed. No patient referred and/or showed sleep attacks before and after addition of cabergoline. We hypothesize that the long-lasting effect of cabergoline may improve the objective quality of nocturnal sleep in PD patients complaining nocturnal motor disability without inducing daytime sleepiness.
