Effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation on prognosis in patients with postherpetic neuralgia and comorbid depression undergoing interventional neuromodulation therapy: protocol for a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial - Takeaways - MDSpire

Effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation on prognosis in patients with postherpetic neuralgia and comorbid depression undergoing interventional neuromodulation therapy: protocol for a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

  • By

  • Huichan Xu

  • Yanan Gao

  • Junpeng Yuan

  • Liqun Huang

  • Youjia Yu

  • Xiaohong Jin

  • April 10, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) often coexists with depression, complicating treatment and worsening patient outcomes.

  • 2

    This study investigates the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in improving outcomes for PHN patients with depression.

  • 3

    A total of 174 adult patients will be enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing rTMS to sham stimulation.

  • 4

    Primary outcomes include the incidence of poor prognosis at 3 months post-discharge, with secondary outcomes assessing pain and depression scores.

  • 5

    The study aims to provide preliminary evidence on the safety and effectiveness of rTMS as an adjunct to interventional neuromodulation therapies.

Original Source(s)

Effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation on prognosis in patients with postherpetic neuralgia and comorbid depression undergoing interventional neuromodulation therapy: protocol for a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

  • by Huichan Xu, Yanan Gao, Junpeng Yuan, Liqun Huang, Youjia Yu, Xiaohong Jin

  • April 10, 2026

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