AUTHOR=Jin Lihua , Wang Haonan , Dong Yifei , Chen Qian , Li Linrong , Li Yongmei TITLE=Choosing the optimal target area for repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation in treating neuropathic pain in spinal cord injury patients: a comparative analysis JOURNAL=Frontiers in Neurology VOLUME=15 YEAR=2024 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2024.1370420 DOI=10.3389/fneur.2024.1370420 ISSN=1664-2295 ABSTRACT=Objective

The specific target area of repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in treating neuropathic pain resulting from spinal cord injury (SCI-NP) remains uncertain.

Methods

Thirty-four participants with SCI-NP were allocated into three groups, namely, the motor cortex (M1, A) group, the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDLPFC, B) group, and the control (sham stimulation, C) group. The intervention was administered totally 10 times. Outcome measures assessed pre-(T0) and post-(T1)intervention, including Numerical Rating scale (NRS), anxiety (SAS), depression (SDS), sleep quality (PSQI), brief pain inventory (BPI), and impression of change.

Results

All outcomes in groups A and B significantly changed after intervention (p < 0.05), and the delta value (T1–T0) also significantly changed than group C (p < 0.05). The delta value of SDS in the group B was better than the group A, and the change of pain degree in the group B was moderately correlated with the change in PSQI (r = 0.575, p < 0.05). Both patients in the groups A and B showed significant impression of change about their received therapy (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Both targets are effective, but LDLPFC is more effective in reducing depression in SCI-NP. Healthcare providers might select the suitable area according to the specific attributes of their patients.