Lumina: Indonesian Journal of Neurology
Vol. 1 No. 3 (2025): December: Lumina: Indonesian Journal of Neurology

Evaluating The Efficacy of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation In Treating Neurodegenerative Cerebellar Ataxia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Angelina Wandana (Universitas Pelita Harapan)
Jeanne Alexandra (Universitas Indonesia)
Agung Junnata (Universitas Trisakti)
Daniel Natanael (Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta)
Raisa Kireyna Nurfajrina (Universitas Kristen Indonesia)
Michelle Valencia Bunjamin (Universitas Pelita Harapan)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Dec 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple system atrophy (MSA), spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), and Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) progressively impair the nervous system, affecting approximately 15% of the global population. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive method, may promote neuroplasticity. The cerebellum, central to motor control and neural connectivity, is a promising rTMS target. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the efficacy of rTMS in treating neurodegenerative cerebellar ataxia. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted per PRISMA guidelines, searching ten databases (to August 9, 2025). Eligible studies were RCTs comparing rTMS with sham in cerebellar ataxia. The review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD420251127471). Study quality was assessed with Cochrane RoB 2.0; meta-analysis used Review Manager 5.4.1, and meta-regression was performed in JASP 0.19.3. Results: Seven RCTs involving a total of 256 patients were included. rTMS significantly improved SARA (SMD = -0.84, p = 0.004, I² = 73%). ICARS showed no significant difference (SMD = -0.82, p = 0.43, I² = 96%). Meta-regression and sensitivity analysis were done to find key heterogeneity sources. Most studies had low bias. Conclusions: rTMS significantly improves SARA scores in neurodegenerative cerebellar ataxia if compared to sham, while ICARS shows insignificant differences. Further research is needed.Keywords: Neurodegenerative ataxia, Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Sham-controlled

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Journal Info

Abbrev

lumina

Publisher

Subject

Description

Focus and Scope Lumina: Indonesian Journal of Neurology is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing the field of neurological sciences, with a focus on both basic neuroscience and clinical neurology. The journal publishes original research, reviews, and intriguing case reports. ...