Meta-analysis shows rTMS associated with reduced VAS and SF-MPQ scores in neuropathic pain

Photo by National Cancer Institute / Unsplash

Frontiers in Medicine Published May 5, 2026 Medically reviewed May 5, 2026 DOI ↗ By Dr. Ji-eun Park, MD · Brain, Mind & Pain

Key Takeaway

Note the significant reduction in VAS and SF-MPQ scores associated with rTMS in neuropathic pain.

This meta-analysis investigated the impact of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) using various parameters, such as stimulation duration, intensity, pulse number, frequency, and target region, on patients with neuropathic pain. The authors synthesized data regarding several pain-related outcomes, including VAS, SF-MPQ, and NRS scores.

The analysis demonstrated significant improvements in certain pain metrics. Specifically, rTMS was associated with a reduction in VAS scores (SMD = -0.86, 95% CI: -1.51 to -0.22, P = 0.01) and a reduction in SF-MPQ scores (MD = -5.79, 95% CI: -6.36 to -5.22, P < 0.001). However, the meta-analysis did not detect a significant effect on NRS scores (MD = -0.41, 95% CI: -1.07 to 0.25, P = 0.22).

Data regarding the specific study population size, follow-up duration, and safety profiles, including adverse events or discontinuations, were not reported in the provided data. Because the results varied across different pain measurement scales, clinicians should interpret the association between rTMS and pain reduction with caution.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedMay 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of various transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) parameters—including stimulation duration, intensity, pulse number, frequency, and target region—on pain scores in patients with neuropathic pain (NP).MethodsRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of TMS on NP were identified through searches of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Data were analyzed using Stata 18.0 with a random-effects model. Meta-regression, subgroup, sensitivity, and publication bias analyses were also performed.ResultsA total of 14 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, the pooled findings showed that rTMS was associated with significant improvements in pain outcomes, as reflected by reductions in VAS scores (SMD = -0.86, 95% CI: -1.51 to -0.22, P = 0.01) and SF-MPQ scores (MD = -5.79, 95% CI: -6.36 to -5.22, P < 0.001) in patients with NP. By contrast, no significant effect was detected for NRS scores (MD = -0.41, 95% CI: -1.07 to 0.25, P = 0.22). Further subgroup analyses suggested that studies characterized by a shorter intervention period (