RTT and Tinnitus
By: Dr Carla Kesrouani
Categories:
RTT and Tinnitus
The Use of RTT in Treating Symptoms of Tinnitus
Tinnitus, the perception of sound in the absence of an external stimulus, affects millions of people worldwide. It can be a debilitating condition, leading to anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. While there is no cure for tinnitus there are several RTT treatments that can help manage the symptoms. One such treatment is the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), which has been shown to have a positive effect on tinnitus.
What is rTMS?
rTMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. Using It to treat a variety of neurological and psychiatric conditions, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and chronic pain. In recent years, it has also been used to treat tinnitus.
Reducing the perception of tinnitus
The idea behind rTMS for tinnitus is that it can help rebalance the neural activity in the brain, reducing the perception of tinnitus. The treatment involves placing a coil over the scalp, which delivers magnetic pulses to the brain. These pulses stimulate the auditory cortex, which is the part of the brain responsible for processing sound. By stimulating this area, rTMS can help reduce the hyperactivity that is often with tinnitus.
What is low-frequency rTMS?
Using One type of rTMS that to treat tinnitus is low-frequency rTMS (LF-rTMS). LF-rTMS involves delivering magnetic pulses at a low frequency (typically around 1 Hz) to the auditory cortex. This is thought to help reduce the hyperactivity in this area, which can help reduce the perception of tinnitus.
Reduction Tinnitus Severity to Placebo Group
In a recent study, researchers investigated the use of LF-rTMS in treating tinnitus. The study involved 40 patients with chronic tinnitus who received either LF-rTMS or a placebo treatment. The results showed that the LF-rTMS group had a significant reduction in tinnitus severity compared to the placebo group. The effects of the treatment is to be long-lasting, with improvements in tinnitus severity still present six months after the treatment.
LF-rTMS is not a cure for the condition
While LF-rTMS has shown promise in treating tinnitus, it is not a cure for the condition. It is also not suitable for everyone, and some people may experience side effects such as headaches or dizziness. As with any medical treatment, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing rTMS for tinnitus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, LF-rTMS is a non-invasive treatment that has shown promise in managing the symptoms of tinnitus. While it is not a cure for the condition, it can help reduce the perception of tinnitus and improve quality of life for those who suffer from this condition. Further needing research to fully understand the long-term effects of rTMS on tinnitus, but it is a promising area of research that may lead to new treatments in the future.