Journal of Pain, Vertigo and Headache
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026): March

EFFICACY OF REPETITIVE TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION FOR PERSISTENT POSTURAL-PERCEPTUAL DIZZINESS: A META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS

Okhotan, Cindy Anastasia (Unknown)
Okhotan, Esther Ivana (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) is a chronic functional vestibular disorder that significantly impairs quality of life. Conventional treatments often provide limited relief. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has emerged as a promising non-invasive adjunctive therapy for PPPD. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of rTMS in reducing the severity of dizziness and associated psychological symptoms in patients with PPPD. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across six databases through August 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing rTMS with sham stimulation or standard treatment were included. The primary outcome was dizziness severity, assessed using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). Secondary outcomes included anxiety and depression severity, measured with the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Pooled effect sizes were calculated as mean differences (MD) using fixed or random effects models. Results: Five RCTs comprising 332 participants were included. rTMS significantly reduced dizziness severity (DHI: MD = –16.60; 95% CI –21.58 to –11.62; p < 0.0001). It also decreased anxiety symptoms (HAMA: MD = –7.81; 95% CI –11.58 to –4.03; p < 0.0001) and alleviated depressive symptoms (HAMD: MD = –6.55; 95% CI –11.12 to –1.98; p < 0.0001). No serious adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: rTMS appears to be an effective and safe adjunctive treatment for PPPD, providing significant improvements in dizziness, anxiety, and depression. Larger, high-quality RCTs are warranted to refine stimulation protocols and assess long-term outcomes.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jphv

Publisher

Subject

Neuroscience

Description

JPHV - Journal of Pain, Headache and Vertigo is a peer-reviewed and open access journal that focuses on promoting pain, headache and vertigo. This journal publishes original articles, reviews, and also interesting case reports. JPHV - Journal of Pain, Headache and Vertigo is an international ...