Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in treatment of post polio syndrome

Abstract

Background: Post polio syndrome is a rare disease that occurs decades after polio virus infection. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a treatment option with proved effectiveness in drug resistant depression. Possibly it can be helpful in therapy of other neurological diseases including post polio syndrome.

Objective: To describe a case of patient diagnosed with post polio syndrome who was treated with rTMS stimulation with a good effect.

Methods: Patient had rTMS stimulation of left prefrontal cortex twice a week for an eight weeks. Patient's health status was evaluated before treatment, after last rTMS session and after three months from the end of the treatment.

Results: Improvement of fatigue score, mood disturbances and motor functions was observed after treatment.

Conclusion: rTMS can be an effective method in treatment of post polio syndrome but further studies with larger group need to be done to confirm that data.

Keywords: Fatigue; Post polio syndrome; Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation.