Levodopa does not enhance the effect of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in tinnitus treatment

Objective: Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has shown promise for the treatment of tinnitus. Experimental data from motor cortex stimulation in healthy subjects indicates that the suppressing effect of low-frequency rTMS can be enhanced by dopaminergic receptor activation. Here we investigated whether administration of the dopamine precursor Levodopa before low-frequency rTMS enhances its efficacy in tinnitus treatment. Study design: 16 patients with chronic tinnitus received 100mg of Levodopa before each session of low frequency rTMS. Results were compared with a matched control…