Low-frequency rTMS combined with intensive occupational therapy for upper limb hemiparesis after brain tumour resection.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety, feasibility and efficacy of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with occupational therapy (OT) in a hemiparetic patient who had undergone brain tumour resection.

METHODS

A 39-year-old right-handed woman underwent brain tumour resection and presented 5 years later with right upper limb hemiparesis. At admission, she was considered to have reached a probable plateau state of motor functional recovery of the affected upper limb in spite of conventional occupational therapy.

METHODS

Low-frequency rTMS with 1 Hz applied to the right primary motor cortex followed by intensive occupational therapy (one-on-one training and self-training) was provided daily during the 15-day hospitalization.

METHODS

Fugl-Meyer Assessment and Wolf Motor Function Test were conducted serially to evaluate motor function on the affected upper limb.

RESULTS

Neither adverse effect nor deterioration of neurological symptoms was recognized during the treatment period. The 15-day combination protocol improved motor function of the right upper limb and further improvement was noted 4 weeks after discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed protocol of low-frequency rTMS with intensive occupational therapy is a potentially useful rehabilitative programme for upper limb hemiparesis after brain tumour resection.