Successful suppression of musical hallucinations with low-frequency rTMS of the left temporo-parietal junction: A case report

• Main Authors: Janne Nordberg, Tero Taiminen, Lauri Virtanen, Satu K. Jääskeläinen, Noora M. Scheinin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2021-11-01
• Series: Brain Stimulation
• Subjects: Musical hallucinations; rTMS; Temporo-parietal junction
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1935861X21002412

Background: Inhibitory low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the temporo-parietal area has been applied to treat both auditory verbal hallucinations as well as tinnitus. Objective: We hypothesized that 1 Hz rTMS to the left temporoparietal junction (TPJ) may be beneficial in alleviating musical hallucinations (MH), another condition with auditory experiences in the absence of an external source. Methods: Here we describe a patient with almost insufferable life-long MH with comorbid depression, who received inhibitory rTMS to the left TPJ as well as the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Results: The intrusiveness and frequency of her MH as well as her depressive symptoms alleviated quickly and substantially, and once-a-week maintenance therapy with rTMS seemed to preserve this amelioration. Future studies will hopefully reveal whether this is a viable treatment approach for other patients suffering from MH with or without comorbid depression.