Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Protocol for Tinnitus Patients

Tinnitus, defined as the perception of sound without an external source, can be particularly distressing when persistent.Among various treatment approaches, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has gained attention as a non-invasive method for modulating maladaptive neuroplastic changes, specifically the hyperactivity and aberrant neural synchrony observed in the auditory cortex (AC) of patients with chronic tinnitus.This report outlines a practical rTMS protocol currently used in clinical settings for tinnitus management.The standard protocol consisted of 1 Hz stimulation at 100%-110% of the resting motor threshold (rMT), applied to the left or contralateral AC, delivering 1800-2000 pulses per session across 10 consecutive treatment days.In selected patients, adjunct excitatory stimulation was delivered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, especially in cases with comorbid affective symptoms.rTMS offers a safe, adaptable therapeutic option, particularly for patients with concurrent mood disturbances.