To evaluate the effect of continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE).

Twelve patients with DRE (five with idiopathic generalized and seven with focal epilepsy) were included in this cross-over design study and randomized to either first sham or first active stimulation, each applied for 5 consecutive days. A round coil over the vertex was used in generalized epilepsy or a figure-of-8 coil over the “epileptogenic area” in focal epilepsy. Sham stimulation was given by placing the coil 90° perpendicular to the head. The number of seizures, electroencephalography findings, Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-84), and Symptom Check List (SCL-90) scores evaluated during the 8–12 weeks before and after active and sham stimulations were compared statistically.

Eight patients could complete both active and sham stimulation periods of 5 days and two patients completed active stimulation sessions, without any significant adverse effects. The number of seizures significantly reduced after active cTBS, but not after sham stimulation, when compared with those recorded before the stimulation period. QOLIE scores were increased, but interictal epileptiform discharges and SCL-90 scores showed no difference after cTBS. Active stimulation was stopped in one patient after he experienced an aggravation of myoclonic seizures.

cTBS seemed to be relatively safe and gave promising results in reducing the frequency of seizures in patients with both generalized and focal DRE. This time-saving technique may ease the introduction of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation into the routine practice of busy epilepsy clinics.