Feasibility of Neuromodulation With Connectivity-Guided iTBS for Cognitive Impairment in MS

Cognitive difficulties can affect many people who live with multiple sclerosis (MS). These difficulties, such as within thinking, memory, and problem solving, can have an impact on important aspects of an individual's life, including their daily activities, work, and how they manage their condition. Previous studies have suggested that cognitive difficulties affect approximately 40-70% of people living with MS, yet there are currently no treatments to target these problems. Recent research has directed towards a non-invasive intervention which stimulates a part of the brain (called the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, or DLPFC for short) which is reported to participate in cognitive processes, such as memory, thinking, and attention. This intervention, called "intermittent theta burst stimulation" (iTBS), involves placing a magnetic device to the skull to activate the DLPFC underneath. This technique has been used successfully in the treatment of depression and is widely considered safe and painless. Previous studies have also shown that iTBS intervention can lead to improvements in cognitive processes. Before the investigators can progress to a large trial to explore its clinical effectiveness for reducing cognitive problems for people with MS, some aspects regarding its feasibility need to be clarified, for example whether it is an acceptable and tolerable intervention for people living with MS. A single-centre, mixed methods feasibility randomised controlled trial will be conducted to compare four groups (10 participants each) of iTBS administration. At baseline, End of Intervention (EOI), and 8-week follow up, the investigators will complete outcome measures to evaluate cognition, mood and fatigue. Participants will also undergo MRI scans at baseline and EOI. Following participation, participants will be interviews and the investigators will organise a post-participation workshop to explore their experiences of the trial, including the tolerability of the protoc