Accelerated Intermittent Theta Burst Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Treat Functional Seizures Open-Label Study of Safety, Feasibility, and Early Effectiveness

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of an accelerated, intermittent theta burst stimulation a-iTBS-rTMS protocol targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for people with Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures PNES or Seizure-Type Functional Neurologic Disorder FND-seiz. This early-phase study aims to assess the feasibility, tolerability, and preliminary effects of this brain-network based treatment, which may help address the challenges and poor outcomes seen with current treatments. The study is open-label and focuses on improving seizure frequency and quality of life measures in this population. Participants will receive 6 to 10 sessions of theta burst TMS per day, each session consisting of 600 pulses, over 3 to 5 days, targeting a total of 30 sessions 18,000 pulses. Treatment is delivered using a MagVenture MagPro TMS System aimed at a specific brain region called Beam F3 to align with previous research and clinical practice. The sessions are spaced with 15-minute intervals, and the study includes a safety protocol developed with experts to monitor risks, including seizure induction. During the study, participants will be assessed through self-report measures before treatment and again four weeks after completing sessions. Researchers will track seizure frequency, stigma, quality of life, depression, PTSD, somatic symptoms, psychosocial functioning, and overall improvement. Safety is monitored daily during treatment and at follow-up. The total participation duration covers screening, treatment days, and a 4-week follow-up to evaluate the interventions effects and tolerability.

Accelerated TMS for Seizure-Type Functional Neurologic Disorders