Impact of rTMS on functional connectivity within the language network in schizophrenia patients with auditory hallucinations

Schizophr Res. 2017 Nov:189:142-145. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.01.049. Epub 2017 Feb 8.

Abstract

This exploratory study investigated the functional connectivity (FC) in the language network in schizophrenia patients (SZ) with auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs), and the therapeutic efficacy of rTMS on it. Eleven SZ with AVHs and 10 healthy controls (HC) underwent two fMRI sessions using a speech listening paradigm. SZ received 20Hz rTMS following the first fMRI session. Compared to HC, SZ showed a reduced FC in the language network. While AVHs improved after 12days, no changes in FC were observed. This suggests the efficacy of high-frequency rTMS on AVH without any impact for rTMS on FC within the language network.

Keywords: Auditory verbal hallucination; Connectivity; Functional MRI; Language network; Schizophrenia; rTMS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Brain Mapping*
  • Female
  • Hallucinations / complications*
  • Hallucinations / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Language*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Oxygen / blood
  • Schizophrenia / complications*
  • Schizophrenia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation*

Substances

  • Oxygen