주관적 이명 치료를 위한 신경조절 가능성: 경피적 미주신경 자극과 경두개 무작위 잡음 자극 비교

Abstract

Background and Objectives The efficacy of non-invasive neuromodulation techniques for treating tinnitus has been investigated with varying results. The purpose of current study was to evaluate the feasibility of two forms of neuromodulation, the transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) and the transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), as treatments for chronic tinnitus. Subjects and Method A total of 24 tinnitus patients were enrolled in the study, with 11 re- ceiving tVNS and 13 receiving tRNS. Four subjective questionnaires and electroencephalogram (EEG) tests were conducted to evaluate the effects of neuromodulation on cortical activity. Results Both tVNS and tRNS significantly reduced the intensity and distress of tinnitus, as well as Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores 3 days after treatment. These effects persisted for 1 month with no significant differences between the two treatments. The EEG data revealed a notable decrease in the power of the beta and gamma bands primarily in the auditory cortex on the opposite side of stimulation for both tVNS and tRNS. The decrease in the power of the beta band was more widespread in the tRNS group than in the tVNS group, affecting the en- tire brain 3 days after treatment. Furthermore, this reduced activity continued for several elec- trodes up to 1 month after treatment. The correlation analysis indicated a significant relation- ship between decreased neural activity and reduction in tinnitus symptoms in both treatment groups. Conclusion This study provides evidence for both tVNS and tRNS to be promising treat- ment methods for patients suffering from tinnitus. However, tVNS and tRNS have different mechanisms of action in modulating neural activity and improving tinnitus-related outcomes.