Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on neuropathic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis

  • Xue Jiang
  • , Wangwang Yan
  • , Ruihan Wan
  • , Yangyang Lin
  • , Xiaoxia Zhu
  • , Ge Song
  • , Kangyong Zheng
  • , Yuling Wang
  • , Xueqiang Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic pain condition caused by lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a neuroregulatory tool that uses pulsed magnetic fields to modulate the cerebral cortex. This review aimed to ascertain the therapeutic effect of rTMS on NP and potential factors regulating the therapeutic effect of rTMS. Database search included Web of Science, Embase, Pubmed, and Cochrane Library from inception to July 2021. Eligible studies included randomized controlled studies of the analgesic effects of rTMS in patients with NP. Thirty-eight studies were included. Random effect analysis showed effect sizes of −0.66 (95 % CI, −0.87 to −0.46), indicating that real rTMS was better than sham condition in reducing pain (P < 0.001). This comprehensive review indicated that stimulation frequency, intervention site, and location of lesion were important factors affecting the therapeutic effect. The findings of this study may guide clinical decisions and future research.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)130-141
Number of pages12
JournalNeuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
Volume132
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Meta-analysis
  • Neuropathic pain
  • Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
  • rTMS

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on neuropathic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this