2018 AANS Annual Scientific Meeting-620. Double-blind Randomized Trial of V1 Trigeminal Stimulation for Refractory Major Depression

620. Double-blind Randomized Trial of V1 Trigeminal Stimulation for Refractory Major Depression

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video presentation, Alessandro Gorgolo discusses a double-blind controlled trial of V1 stimulation for resistant major depression. The study was funded by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Gorgolo explains that depression is a complex disease involving many networks and areas of the brain, and finding an intracranial target for neuromodulation has been challenging. However, peripheral nerve stimulation, such as the vagal nerve, has been effective in treating depression. The study began with an observational finding that external trigeminal stimulation for epilepsy also improved mood in patients. This led to a short trial with patients diagnosed with depression, showing improvement in mood. The researchers then implanted electrodes for trigeminal stimulation in 20 patients who were resistant to conventional treatment. The study design included a one-way crossover, with the group receiving active stimulation showing better improvement in depression scores compared to the group receiving sham stimulation. The study also found a long-lasting placebo effect and minimal side effects. In conclusion, the study suggests that trigeminal stimulation is an effective adjuvant therapy for depression, but further research with larger sample sizes is needed to explore the mechanism of action.

Asset Caption

Antonio A. F. De Salles, MD PhD (Brazil)

Keywords

double-blind controlled trial

V1 stimulation

resistant major depression

neuromodulation

trigeminal stimulation