Clinical Research Directory

Impact of Theta Burst Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on the Patient's Self-reported Improvement in Their Motor Functional Neurological Disorder

Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a condition that causes significant suffering and disability. It is defined by the presence of neurological symptoms that interfere with an individual's functioning and are not consistent with any known anatomical lesion but that causes significant functional impairment. We are particularly interested in motor symptoms (abnormal movements or motor deficits). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive and acceptable treatment that has proven effective in certain chronic pain conditions, depression, and OCD. We would like to evaluate the impact of rTMS on the patient's overall perception of change, particularly on the clinical symptoms of motor FND. Secondary objectives include evaluating the overall effect on symptoms from the clinician's perspective, the effect on quality of life, on depressive and anxiety symptoms and associated dissociation, as well as evaluating any changes in the sense of agency and identifying the side effects of rTMS treatment.