on a “tinnitus network” of interconnected auditory and non-auditory brain areas which exert influence on each other. This could be the reason for the limited effects of rTMS on the AC. While the AC is treated with rTMS, the remaining brain areas of the tinnitus network maintain their altered activity. Due to the connections within the network, the auditory cortex is still influenced by non-auditory sites, narrowing the benefit of rTMS.
Aims of Our Study
The idea of a network of interconnected brain areas being involved in the tinnitus percept allows for a promising refinement of rTMS treatment. If several core regions of this network are targeted by rTMS, a more pronounced reduction of tinnitus severity might be possible than by exclusive stimulation of the AC. Therefore, our study examines a new rTMS stimula- tion protocol which involves three stimulation sites instead of only one. In the past, rTMS was applied over the temporal cortex of the left (or the right) hemi- sphere as this is where the AC is located. In our study, the temporoparietal cortex of both hemispheres plus the left frontal cortex are stimulated (see Figure 2). By targeting these three stimulation sites, several nodes of the tinnitus network are covered.
A Gift of Hope By Wes Breazeale, ATA Development Director
When Walter Rubin first learned he had tinnitus, he was saddened to learn that there currently was no cure. However, he was determined to learn about possible treatments and tinnitus research efforts, leaving no stones unturned. He met with audiologists and otolaryngologists (ENTs) and tried various treatments, unfortunately without success. With great determination, Walter continued his own research and was able to open many doors on his quest for a cure for tinnitus.
Figure 2. Schematic illustration of the three stimulation sites (blue circles) targeted with multisite rTMS.
Besides the enhancement of rTMS treatment effects, we are also interested in the neural correlates of the tinnitus percept. Therefore, each patient participating in our study is examined with electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) before and after ten days of rTMS treatment. In addition, a control group of non-tinnitus subjects are also examined. These data offer several possibilities to gain insight into the neural mechanisms underlying tinnitus. When data from persons with and without tinnitus are compared, we are able to analyze if altered connectivity between auditory and non-audito- ry brain regions can be found in persons with tinnitus as suggested by recent studies. Because all patients are examined twice, we are also able to explore the neural changes that are induced by rTMS treatment.
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Walter and his wife, Lucille, met at college in New York City. After graduating, Walter entered a small family manu- facturing business. Lucille graduated with a degree in history and secondary educa- tion. She went on to earn her Masters degree in American History from Columbia University. After marrying and starting a family, Walter became successful at a very early age, which enabled Lucille to tend to their grow- ing family. Always striving for bigger challenges, Walter became interested in real estate development, with particular emphasis on shopping center develop- ment. With Walter’s early financial success he began to focus on other investment opportunities and financial endeavors. Their very strong advocation was their appreciation of fine art, particularly American Art of the 19th to early 20th century. Another of the Rubins’ passions was traveling around the world, learning about different cultures and customs. Having resided just outside of New York City, once their children were grown and starting their own lives, Walter and Lucille relocated to Florida.
~ Walter Rubin
“I found Dr. Langguth to be a kind, considerate man, who desperately wants to find a cure for tinnitus.”
There they formed a foundation, whose focus was primarily to fund the advancement of medical research. They have
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