High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in the First Episode of Catatonia: A Series of Four Cases

Cureus. 2023 Nov 20;15(11):e49112. doi: 10.7759/cureus.49112. eCollection 2023 Nov.

Abstract

Four patients with benzodiazepine non-responsive catatonia were administered repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) at the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex at 120% of resting motor threshold, frequency of 10Hz, with a total of 3,000 pulses/session. Patients with mood disorders showed good responses. One patient with chronic resistant schizophrenia had worsening catatonic symptoms during rTMS that responded to electroconvulsive therapy. Maximum response was observed between sessions 8 and 12.

Keywords: brain stimulation; catatonia; mood disorder; rtms; schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports