rTMS for chronic tinnitus: VA randomized sham-controlled trial (positive)

Record details

Authors: Folmer RL, et al.
Journal / source: JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery (2015)
Design: Randomized placebo(coil)-controlled trial; 1-Hz rTMS × 10 consecutive workdays; NCT01104207
Sample: 70 randomized, 64 analyzed (32/arm)
Primary endpoint: TFI-based responder status (through 26 weeks)
Randomized: Yes · Sham/placebo-controlled: Yes · Independent of the manufacturer: Yes

What this research found

POSITIVE: responders 18/32 (56%) active vs 7/32 (22%) placebo, p<.005. Distress/severity outcome (TFI) — not loudness.

One half of the field's central contradiction: this positive trial coexists with the larger multicenter negative Landgrebe 2017 trial — which is why the platform labels rTMS replication 'Conflicting results'.

Limitations and conflicts of interest

Single site; modest N.

Funding / conflicts: Independent (VA).

Primary sources

Used as evidence for

rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation)

This is an original summary from the Tinnitus Evidence verified database, checked against the primary source — not a reproduction of the publisher's abstract.