Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for functional tremor: A randomized, double-blind, controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare the effect on functional tremor of active versus sham repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and investigate whether the addition of hypnosis might help to prolong any repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation-induced therapeutic effect. METHODS: We compared the effect of 5 consecutive daily sessions of active/sham repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on functional tremor, at 1 and 2 months, in a randomized, double-blind, 2-arm, parallel-controlled study. In a second open-label phase, all patients underwent 3 weekly sessions of hypnosis combined with single sessions of real repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. The primary outcome was a change in the Psychogenic Movement Disorder Rating Scale at month 1 when compared with baseline. Secondary outcomes were changes in the Psychogenic Movement Disorder Rating Scale and Tremor subscores, the 36-item Short Form Health Survey, the Self-Report Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and the Clinical Global Impression Scale assessed at months 1, 2, 6, and 12. RESULTS: A total of 33 outpatients affected by functional tremor were screened, and 18 outpatients fulfilling the inclusion criteria (8 men, 10 women) were randomized. One month after the intervention, the mean Psychogenic Movement Disorder Rating Scale score had decreased in both groups, but the differences from baseline were only significant in the active repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation group (P < .001). This remained significant at month 2 (P < .001). The significant decrease of the Psychogenic Movement Disorder Rating Scale and Tremor subscores were maintained at months 6 and 12 for the active repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation group. For the control group, the Psychogenic Movement Disorder Rating Scale score had returned almost to its baseline value by month 2 and remained unchanged at months 6 and 12. CONCLUSION: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation could represent a valuable therapeutic option in the management of functional tremor. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Neurological presentations revealing acquired copper deficiency: diagnosis features, aetiologies and evolution in seven patients.

BACKGROUND: Acquired copper deficiency (ACD) is a rare condition usually diagnosed from haematological changes. AIMS: To characterise the diagnosis features and the evolution of patients with ACD revealed by neurological symptoms. METHODS: Clinical, biological and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were prospectively analysed at diagnosis and during follow up under copper supplementation. RESULTS: Seven patients were studied over a 5-year period. Time to diagnosis ranged from 2.5 to 15 months. Subacute ascending paraesthesias and gait disorder were the first symptoms. All patients had a posterior cord syndrome (PCS) with sensory ataxic gait associated with superficial hypoesthesia of the feet; 50% had also lateral cord signs. Electrodiagnostic tests diagnosed a lower limb sensory neuropathy in four patients. Spinal cord MRI was normal in three of seven patients. Anaemia and lymphopenia were diagnosed in six of seven patients. Serum copper was always low, and urinary copper was low or normal. Serum and urinary zinc were high in four patients. Decreased copper intake (stoma/parenteral nutrition, malnutrition, malabsorption with lack of vitamin supplementation after bariatric or other digestive surgeries) was found in four patients, and the chronic use of denture adhesive paste containing zinc was discovered in four patients. One patient had both the causes recorded. After copper supplementation, copper balance and then haematological disturbances were the first features to normalise gradually in 2 months. Radiological myelitis disappeared in 10 months, whereas neurological symptoms improved in six of seven patients after a mean follow up of 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Progressive PCS with anaemia and lymphopenia must raise the possibility of an ACD. Early copper supplementation could increase the neurological prognosis.