Combined TMS Shows Potential in Tinnitus Treatment

Newswise — It is estimated that more than 50 million Americans suffer from tinnitus, a condition where the patient experiences ringing or other head noises that are not produced by an external source. This disorder can occur in one or both ears, range in pitch from a low roar to a high squeal, and may be continuous or sporadic.

This often debilitating condition has been linked to ear injuries, circulatory system problems, noise-induced hearing loss, wax build-up in the ear canal, medications harmful to the ear, ear or sinus infections, misaligned jaw joints, head and neck trauma, Ménière's disease, and an abnormal growth of bone of the middle ear.

A new study presented at the 2007 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO shows promise for a tinnitus treatment using combined transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a noninvasive method to excite neurons in the brain. The study included 32 patients who received either low-frequency temporal TMS or a combination of high-frequency prefrontal and low-frequency temporal TMS. Treatment effects were assessed by using a standardized tinnitus questionnaire directly after the therapy and three months later. Evaluation after three months revealed remarkable advantages for the group of patients who received the combination TMS treatment.

The results of the study support recent data that suggest that auditory and non-auditory areas of the brain are involved in the pathophysiology of tinnitus, and that this information can guide future treatment strategies.

Title: Combined Temporal and Prefrontal TMS for Tinnitus TreatmentAuthors: Tobias Kleinjung MD, Peter Eichhammer, MD, Michael Landgrebe, MD, Philipp Sand, MD,Goeran Hajak, MD, Juergen Strutz, MD, PhD,Berthold Langguth, MDDate: Wednesday, September 19, 8:18 am - 8:26 am

Information for the MediaThe AAO-HNS Annual Meeting newsroom will be located in Registration East, Street Level of the Washington, DC Convention Center. Hours of operation: Saturday, September 15, 12 pm to 5 pm; Sunday - Tuesday, September 16 -18, 7:30 am to 5 pm; and Wednesday, September 19, 7:30 am to 2 pm. The newsroom serves as a work space for credentialed members of the media and credentialed public relations staff. The newsroom is managed and staffed by the AAO-HNS Communications Unit. Please see the AAO-HNS website for media credentialing requirements for the event - http://www.entnet.org/ent-press/online_reg.cfm.

About the AAO-HNSThe American Academy of Otolaryngology " Head and Neck Surgery (http://www.entnet.org), one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents more than 12,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy serves its members by facilitating the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues. The organization's mission: "Working for the Best Ear, Nose, and Throat Care."