Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression in Multiple Sclerosis
This study investigates a treatment called repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for depression and severe tiredness (fatigue) in adults with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). rTMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain areas. Many people with MS experience depression and fatigue that don't respond to usual treatments, which significantly impacts their daily lives. While rTMS is approved for depression in Canada, its use in MS patients hasn't been widely studied due to past safety concerns. This research aims to understand if rTMS is safe, well-tolerated, and can potentially improve mood, energy, and thinking skills in people with MS. Around 20 participants will be involved at the University of Calgary.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a long-term condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to various difficulties with movement, sight, and sensations. Many people with MS also struggle with depression and severe tiredness (fatigue). In fact, about half of all MS patients experience depression at some point, and nearly 90% have disabling fatigue. What's more, these symptoms often don't get better with standard treatments, making daily life very challenging for those affected.
This study explores a different approach called repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or rTMS. This treatment involves using magnetic fields outside the head to gently create electrical activity in specific parts of the brain. It's already approved and used for treating depression in Canada. However, because of earlier concerns, people with MS have usually been excluded from studies looking into rTMS.
The main goal of this research is to find out if rTMS can be a safe and helpful way to treat depression and fatigue in adults with MS. Researchers want to see if it makes a real difference to people's mood, energy, and even their ability to think clearly. If successful, this could open up a new and much-needed treatment option for people with MS who are struggling with these common and difficult symptoms.
Key takeaways
- Exploring a new treatment (rTMS) for depression and fatigue in MS.
- rTMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain areas.
- Aims to check safety and effectiveness in people with MS.
- Participants receive daily treatments for five days.
- Involves questionnaires, tests, MRI, and a fitness watch.
- Potential new hope for hard-to-treat symptoms in MS.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for this study, you need to be between 18 and 65 years old and have a confirmed diagnosis of either relapsing-remitting or primary-progressive MS. You should also be experiencing moderate to severe depression, which hasn't significantly improved with at least one antidepressant or a course of talking therapy. Your MS treatment and any other medications should have been stable for a certain period before joining.
There are also some things that would mean you can't take part. For example, if you've ever had seizures, or if you have certain metal implants or medical devices in your body (like a pacemaker or cochlear implant). You also can't participate if you have a different major psychiatric condition that is considered your main health issue, or any condition that the study doctors believe would make participating unsafe or would interfere with the study results.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
- Do you have a clear diagnosis of MS?
- Are you experiencing moderate to severe depression that hasn't responded well to other treatments?
- Do you have severe fatigue?
- Have you had stable MS medication for at least 3 months?
- Do you have no metal implants that would prevent an MRI or TMS?
What does participation involve?
If you join the study, you'll first go through a screening process, which includes filling out questionnaires, having clinical check-ups, and doing some thinking tests. You'll also have a brain MRI scan; this helps the team figure out the best way to give you the rTMS treatment. After that, you'll receive rTMS sessions every day for five days in a row.
Each day, you'll have specific brain mapping done just before your treatment. Then you'll have five short rTMS treatments, each lasting about 3 minutes, with an hour break between them. You'll be asked about your safety and how you're feeling each day. After the five days of treatment, you'll have more assessments, including questionnaires, thinking tests, and a psychiatrist review. Finally, there will be a follow-up visit (either in person or online) about four weeks later. You'll also wear a fitness watch throughout the study so researchers can keep an eye on your activity levels. About 20 people will take part in total.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Foothills Medical CentreVerified postcodeCalgary, Canada
Common questions
What is rTMS?
rTMS uses magnetic pulses to gently stimulate specific areas of the brain to help improve conditions like depression.
Will I feel pain during rTMS?
Most people report feeling a tapping sensation on their scalp during rTMS, which is generally not painful, but the study will monitor your comfort.
How long does the study last?
You'll have daily treatment sessions for five days, followed by a four-week follow-up, plus initial screening and post-treatment assessments.
Can I take my usual medications?
Yes, but your medications for MS and other conditions need to have been stable for a specific period before joining the study.
How many people are in this study?
Around 20 individuals will be participating in this research.
How to find out more
Anna L Bourgeois, MSc.
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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