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Medical Forum / Diseases and Disorders / Tinnitus / February 2004Interesting abstract re: tinnitus relief
Have we seen this before? I don't recall it. Susan 1: Neuroreport. 2003 May 23;14(7):977-80. Related Articles, Links Neuronavigated rTMS in a patient with chronic tinnitus. Effects of 4 weeks treatment. Langguth B, Eichhammer P, Wiegand R, Marienhegen J, Maenner P, Jacob P, Hajak G. Department of Psychiatry, University of Regensburg, Germany. berthold.langguth@bkr-regensburg.de Clinical, neurophysiological and neuroimaging data suggest that chronic tinnitus resembles neuropsychiatric syndromes characterised by focal brain activation. Low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been proposed as an efficient method in treating brain hyperexcitability disorders. In one patient suffering from chronic tinnitus, [18F]deoxyglucose PET revealed increased metabolic activity in a circumscript area of the left primary auditory cortex (PAC). The effect of MRI and PET guided neuronavigated 1 Hz rTMS of this area was evaluated in a single-blind, sham-controlled, cross-over manner, followed by a 4-week open treatment. Following active stimulation there was a remarkable effect, enduring several weeks, on tinnitus sensation, which was paralleled by altered cortical excitability. These findings suggest that neuronavigated rTMS of increased PAC activity might offer a new option for treating auditory phantom perceptions like chronic tinnitus. Publication Types: Case Reports PMID: 12802186 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ > x-no-archive: yes > > Have we seen this before? I don't recall it. The article hasn't been cited here but news about the "therapy" has been mentioned in the last week or two.....or three....or......... I'm glad you found the article. Gives us words to google on. Thanks This is a slightly more detailed discussion for those interested including the sham controls. http://mentalhealth.about.com/cs/depression/a/tmstin903.htm >This is a slightly more detailed discussion for those interested including >the sham controls. > >http://mentalhealth.about.com/cs/depression/a/tmstin903.htm And, as I failed to mention, this is a controlled study of a tinnitus treatment. There were many others, for a variety of treatments, contrary to what was stated here by an OP. Susan Good Article Sue, Now, can one of our medicine men translate it for for us? - jean >Clinical, neurophysiological and neuroimaging data suggest that chronic >tinnitus resembles neuropsychiatric syndromes characterised by focal brain [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] >-------------------------------------------------------------------------- >------ >Good Article Sue, > >Now, can one of our medicine men translate it for for us? I'm no medico, but here's what I think it says: PET scanning identified heightened metabolic activity in a specific area of the brain of those with chronic tinnitus. Using MRI and PET to guide treatment to the specific area (neuronavigation), they magnetically stimulated it repeatedly. Repeated magnetic stimulation produced a remarkable effect on T, which endured up to several weeks after the treatment. They did a single blind (patient didn't know if they were getting real or fake treatment) study, then crossed over, swapping the fake treatment group for the magnetic stimulation group, and vice versa. Susan Thanks Sue, You did a great job. But I still have a few questions, anyone? > metabolic activity .............what does heightened metabolic activity mean and how it relate to tinnitus? > they magnetically stimulated it repeatedly. ..............what did they stimulate? ...the prefrontal cortex? .............what are examples of other neuropsychiatric syndromes? .............what is focal brain activiation? .............what is the difference between transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)? ....................what other conditions would be considered as "hyperexcitability disorders"? ...............what is the relationship of the hypocampus to the pre-frontal cortex? - jean marktvalu@aol.com (Marktvalu) wrote in part: > Thanks Sue, > [quoted text clipped - 23 lines] > > - jean jean and all- this research is described pretty clearly in the current issue of Tinnitus Today (the quarterly magazine issued by the American Tinnitus Association).  SignatureJim Chinnis / Warrenton, Virginia, USA Want to discuss Meniere's? See http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MenieresDG >ean and all- this research is described pretty clearly in the current issue >of Tinnitus Today (the quarterly magazine issued by the American Tinnitus >Association). ............................. I'm sure they ran the article, but I doubt they answered the questions I asked. jb marktvalu@aol.com (Marktvalu) wrote in part: >>ean and all- this research is described pretty clearly in the current issue >>of Tinnitus Today (the quarterly magazine issued by the American Tinnitus [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > I'm sure they ran the article, but I doubt they answered the questions I >asked. You asked good questions. On the off chance someone else doesn't respond before Tuesday, I'll do my best. Got a long, hard day tomorrow and I'm still preparing for it. SignatureJim Chinnis / Warrenton, Virginia, USA Want to discuss Meniere's? See http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MenieresDG >...............what is the relationship of the hypocampus to the pre-frontal cortex? > - jean ........................... Ok, I did some research on this one myself. The hyppocampus is an (inner portion) of the brain situated beneath the temporal lobe and in a deeper area of the brain. The pre frontal cortex is situated behind the forehead. The hypocampus is responsible for our earliest most primative functions (cave man stuff sort of). The pre frontal cortex is where emotions, thinking, organization, memory takes place. I would assume that the part of the brain that was stimuated was the frontal area since the hyppocampus is situated so deep within the brain. Coincidentally, positron emission tomography (PET) scans have helped science look into the hyppocampus. They have noticed the hyppocampus shrinking in alzheimers patients and the depressed. They believe continued antidepressant treatment helps stop the hyppocampus from deterioraing. I only ask these questions because the hyppocampus, pre frontal cortex and limbic system have been mentioned here time and time again. - jean >what does heightened metabolic activity mean and how it relate to >tinnitus? It means glucose uptake, something cells do when they're working or being used. Hence, that's the location of the overactivity. >> they magnetically stimulated it repeatedly. > >..............what did they stimulate? ...the prefrontal cortex? The left primary auditory complex. Not sure what area of the brain this lies in. The Buffalo study found the T activity to be in the hippocampus, I believe. >.............what are examples of other neuropsychiatric syndromes? Chronic neuroborreliosis, or Lyme disease is one. Brain injury or infection can cause neuropsychiatric dysfunction including mood, personality and cognitive changes. >.............what is focal brain activiation? Activity in a specific point in the brain, or one defined location. >.............what is the difference between transcranial magnetic stimulation >(TMS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)? Not sure. May just be intensity and targeted specificity. >....................what other conditions would be considered as >"hyperexcitability disorders"? > >...............what is the relationship of the hypocampus to the pre-frontal >cortex? Leaving these for smarter folks. Susan marktvalu@aol.com (Marktvalu) wrote in part: > Thanks Sue, > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >.............what does heightened metabolic activity mean and how it relate to >tinnitus? The imaging methods used essentially reflect local blood flow. In the brain, local blood flow is adjusted moment to moment in order to supply neurons with the oxygen and nutrients they require. Therefore, blood flow changes are used to assess changes in neuron firing ("activity"). Tinnitus is usually assumed to be an abnormal presence of activity in the auditory cortex. >> they magnetically stimulated it repeatedly. >.............what is the difference between transcranial magnetic stimulation >(TMS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)? There are lots of differences, but the fundamental one is that an MRI uses a constant magnetic field and the TMS uses a varying one. A constant magnetic field changes how charged particles in the nuclei of atoms in the brain align themselves, but induces no electrical field or current flow. (Before public opposition could develop, the term "nuclear" was dropped from the name for the imaging technique.) The change in nuclear particle alignments affects radio waves that pass through the head (or whatever). The TMS techniques uses a much weaker magnetic field and varies it. More accurately, it uses several "antennas" that cause a very focused magnetic field to sweep across a fairly specific region of brain tissue. The changing magnetic field causes an electric field to exist briefly on each repetition of the magnetic field cycle. That field affects the tendency of neurons in the specific area to fire. In that way--without entering the brain--researchers can alter (in a very crude way) the behavior of neurons deep in the brain. >...............what is the relationship of the hypocampus to the pre-frontal >cortex? Wow. Nothing simple! Both are involved in emotional activity (including aversion and gratification) plus--at least in the case of the hippocampus--memory. Both are usually considered parts of the limbic system. There is also a role (at least for the pre-frontal cortex) in controlling the excitability of other regions of cortex. SignatureJim Chinnis / Warrenton, Virginia, USA Want to discuss Meniere's? See http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MenieresDG Thank you to Frank, Sue and Jim for your responses to my post. - jean > x-no-archive: yes > [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > > Susan The effect of electromagnetic fields on charged particles is remarkable. In fact, if you are reading this on a cathode ray tube, you have to be impressed that electrons are being steered along a helical path from the back of your tube to the pixels underlying these characters by an electromagnetic field. That this study suggests passing an electromagnetic field through the auditory cortex has an effect on tinnitus is profound in that it further suggests that the "phantom" tinnitus sound is somehow related to the motion of charged particles their. Who knows, perhaps someday we will just override the safety interlock on our microwave oven, push the "tinnitus mitigation" button, and stick our head inside for a second or so. Bill >The effect of electromagnetic fields on charged particles is remarkable. In >fact, if you are reading this on a cathode ray tube, you have to be >impressed that electrons are being steered along a helical path from the>back of your tube to the pixels underlying these characters by an >electromagnetic field. ........................ Funny you should write that Bill. My dad worked in the picture tube industry for many years. Along with that he worked on many a tv. As a child I remember him degaussing televisions with a whoop after putting in a new picture tube. Maybe standing too close for comfort charged too many particles? - jean :) > >The effect of electromagnetic fields on charged particles is remarkable. In > >fact, if you are reading this on a cathode ray tube, you have to be [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > > - jean :) Wow, do you still have his degaussing coil? We had one at the business I retired from but I never tried passing it above my auditory cortex. I'll have to stop by and try that if I can't jerry-rig my microwave interlock. BTW, if you were staring at my text and contemplating the electromagnetic field that painted it with charged particles, and you noticed a blur of colors somewhere on your screen, you can fix that with a degaussing coil. If you're scratching your head about this, well that can be fixed with delousing powder. >Wow, do you still have his degaussing coil? We had one at the business I retired from but I never tried passing it above my auditory cortex. .............. Well, did you try and pass it below your auditory cortex? jb > Good Article Sue, > [quoted text clipped - 25 lines] > > > >-------------------------------------------------------------------------- My abridged version : My take on this study is that the researchers were going on the hypothesis that tinnitus is associated with increased (abnormal?) activity in the primary auditory cortex (PAC). By placing and inducing magnetic (electrical) stimulation guided by neuro-imaging techniques (the PET scan) they showed an altering of activity in the area(s) that were stimulated. The study also included a sham to account for placebo effect. And by post-treatment questionaires, it showed a definite improvement in the tinnitus. Bottom line for me, damn- it shows some promise!! Even if this was temporary treament (and it sounds like it is)- to have relief for a few weeks would be wonderful. If it worked it would be worth monthly visits or whatever. frank >Bottom line for me, damn- it shows some promise!! Even if this was >temporary treament (and [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > >frank It is very exciting, since it's non-invasive and potentially longlasting. I guess one of my questions would be whether there are any short or long term adverse effects of repeated magnetic stimulation to focal areas? Anyone have an educated guess as to hypothetical risks? Susan > x-no-archive: yes > [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > Susan The effects of electromagnetic radiation on charged particles largely depends upon the rate at which the polarization changes (the frequency) and the power level. In a microwave oven, the frequency is just right to excite water molecules which rub against one another to generate heat. This frequency, at sufficient power, would be pretty hard on the auditory cortex. On the other hand, folks who live under power lines and within the electromagnetic field they generate have been unable to prove a correlation with any malady. Electromagnetic waves carrying radio and television intelligence course through your body relentlessly, apparently without effect, even in the absence of a tinfoil hat. >On the other hand, folks who live under power lines and within he>electromagnetic field they generate have been unable to prove a correlation>with any malady. ............... Yeah, but they can destroy the real estate market in their neighborhood for a couple of years.:) - jean > Yeah, but they can destroy the real estate market in their neighborhood for >a >couple of years.:) Please DON'T SAY "real estate" around me! Touchy subject. :-) Homeless Susan >Please DON'T SAY "real estate" around me! Touchy subject. :-) >Homeless Susan ............................. Well, you could always call Gerrells', Im sure he would love the company. - jean :) I think the operative principle of (rTMS) is the electric currrent induced in the brain (by rapidly altering the magnetic field) rather than the direct effects of the magnetic field itself on the tissue. That would be very distinct from a focused MRI-type effect. It may be more difficult to control as well because of the current. PaulS > I think the operative principle of (rTMS) is the electric currrent induced > in the brain (by rapidly altering the magnetic field) rather than the direct [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > PaulS Actually, Paul, great strides have been made along these lines. For example, the "Beverage" button on my microwave oven gets the coffee just right and the "Popcorn" button shuts it off as the very last kernel explodes. This isn't to say we have perfected the manipulation of charged particles in flesh, however, and I readily admit the "Defrost" feature tends to cook the outer perimeter of both beef, pork and fowl flesh. :-) > Actually, Paul, great strides have been made along these lines. For > example, the "Beverage" button on my microwave oven gets the coffee just > right and the "Popcorn" button shuts it off as the very last kernel > explodes. This isn't to say we have perfected the manipulation of charged > particles in flesh, however, and I readily admit the "Defrost" feature tends > to cook the outer perimeter of both beef, pork and fowl flesh. :-) Have you tried this on your tinnitus? ;-) PaulS > > Actually, Paul, great strides have been made along these lines. For > > example, the "Beverage" button on my microwave oven gets the coffee just [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > PaulS Not yet, but I am going to try the de-gaussing coil next time I stop by my former office. If you've used one of these, you know you move the coil in a circular pattern over the affected area while depressing the button to energize it. In order to properly direct the field I'll need the precise location of the auditory cortex, a mirror and my special pair of glasses for viewing electromagnetic fields. If this works, it could add an entirely new dimension to mirror feedback. I'll report back sometime next week. In the meantime, sell your EERIE WAX stock. OH WOW.... THAT WAS GREAT :D - jean> Not yet, but I am going to try the de-gaussing coil next time I stop by my >former office. If you've used one of these, you know you move the coil in a >circular pattern over the affected area while depressing the button to [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >dimension to mirror feedback. I'll report back sometime next week. In the >meantime, sell your EERIE WAX stock. > OH WOW.... > > THAT WAS GREAT :D Jean-, That IS what Bob said after he was degassed! PS sufein@aol.comnospam (Susan ) wrote in part: >x-no-archive: yes > [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > >Susan Seizures are known to occur with certain applications. There is probably no danger of radiation-type effects (such as cancer or DNA damage), since the wavelength is so long, but studies have not been done AFAIK. SignatureJim Chinnis / Warrenton, Virginia, USA Want to discuss Meniere's? See http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MenieresDG >Seizures are known to occur with certain applications. I guess that's always a risk of brain stimulation. >There is probably no danger of radiation-type effects (such as cancer or DNA >damage), since the wavelength is so long, but studies have not been done >AFAIK. I was wondering about cognitive effects, memory loss, or any effects seen in ECT, for example. I realize they're two different treatments. Also, is a pacemaker a good analogy, or is other electrophysiology? Susan Another abstract: ABSTRACT: This study describes the coordinated treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and cervical spine disorders in patients diagnosed with Meniere's disease. The aim was to follow up treatment outcomes for three years with regular follow-up examinations every six months. Of the 31 patients with Meniere's disease who participated in a controlled comparative study on the signs and symptoms of TMD, 24 participated in a subsequent controlled comparative study on the signs and symp- toms of cervical spine disorders (CSD). These 24 Meniere's disease patients (ten males and 14 females) agreed to participate in this longitudinal study. At each follow-up, their symptoms were evaluated using self-administered questionnaires and visual analog scales (VAS). The results of the coordinated treatment showed simultaneous decreases in the intensities of vertigo, nonwhirling dizziness, tinnitus, feeling of fullness in the ear, pain in the face and jaws, pain in the neck and shoulders, and headache that were both longitudinal and highly significant. Significant longitudinal reductions in the frequencies of vertigo, nonwhirling dizziness, and headache were also reported by the patients as well as a complete dis- appearance of pain located in the vertex area. A significant relief of TMD symptoms and a decrease in nervousness was also achieved. The results showed that a coordinated treatment of TMD and CSD in patients with Meniere's disease is an effective therapy for symptoms of this disease. The results also suggested that Meniere's disease has a clear association with TMD and CSD and that these three ailments appeared to be caused by the same stress, nervousness, and muscular tension. Tinnitus is a pain in the neck Elly's Tinnitus Resources http://eebee.net/ http://meniere.eebee.net/ For email: elly at eebee.cjb.net Elly, you seem to have lopped off the cite; what study, where, when and by whom? It doesn't provide any information on any treatment involved. Thanks, Susan >Another abstract: > [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] >CSD and that these three ailments appeared to be caused by the same >stress, nervousness, and muscular tension. |
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