Evidence & Science

TMS evidence:
what we know and what we don’t yet

For rTMS in depression there are randomised trials, meta-analyses and guideline recommendations. For TPS or photobiomodulation the data are young. Both stand side by side here, with grade and PubMed link, sorted by condition and procedure.

Our rule

First what we know, then what we see, then what is open.

What we know is in randomised trials and meta-analyses; that holds for rTMS in depression and for neurofeedback in ADHD. What we see is clinical observation, which set of findings responds to which procedure; it shapes the programme, never the evidence grade. What we do not yet know we say in the same sentence: for TPS beyond its Alzheimer’s certification and for photobiomodulation the data are limited. Every study below is peer-reviewed and linked on PubMed; it shows probabilities across groups, and no single patient’s course.

One thing belongs here because it shapes our work: studies describe what works on average across many people, and the person sitting in front of us is not an average. Where the assessment suggests a combination of methods for which the large trials do not yet exist, we use it as an individual, informed treatment attempt, with the evidence grade that belongs to it and a measurement before and after. What we observe in those courses feeds into the next concept.

By condition

Studies by condition

222+ linked papers. Filter by condition; each card links straight to the publication.

Adult ADHD · Evidence strong

Pharmacological, psychological and neurostimulatory interventions for adult ADHD – network meta-analysis

Netzwerk-Metaanalyse · Lancet Psychiatry 2025

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Adult ADHD · Evidence solid

tDCS in adults with ADHD – systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs

Metaanalyse · Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2026

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Adult ADHD · Evidence moderate

tDCS for adults with ADHD – a systematic review

Systematischer Review · J Psychiatr Res 2026

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Adult ADHD · Evidence moderate

Efficacy and safety of tDCS in ADHD – systematic review and meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Front Psychiatry 2026

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Adult ADHD · Evidence moderate

Portable EEG-based neurofeedback for ADHD – meta-analysis of RCTs

Metaanalyse · Appl Neuropsychol Child 2025

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Adult ADHD · Evidence moderate

Neurofeedback in ADHD – meta-analysis (Collaborative Neurofeedback Group)

Metaanalyse · JAACAP 2016

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Adult ADHD · Evidence solid

Microstate-based neurofeedback in ADHD – randomised crossover trial

RCT · Brain Topogr 2025

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ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) · Evidence solid

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for ALS / motor neuron disease (Cochrane review)

Cochrane-Review · Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013

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ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) · Evidence solid

Non-invasive brain stimulation for ALS: current evidence (systematic review)

Systematischer Review · Medicina (Kaunas) 2025

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ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) · Evidence solid

rTMS of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in ALS with cognitive impairment (double-blind RCT)

RCT · CNS Neurosci Ther 2025

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ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) · Evidence solid

Respiratory muscle training and pulmonary function/survival in ALS (systematic review + meta-analysis)

Metaanalyse · Ther Adv Respir Dis 2025

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ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) · Evidence solid

Respiratory strength training for ALS (meta-analysis of randomized trials)

Metaanalyse · Respir Med 2026

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ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) · Evidence solid

Transcranial static magnetic stimulation for ALS (randomised, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial)

RCT Phase 2 · Lancet Reg Health Eur 2024

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Alzheimer’s & Dementia · Evidence growing

Network meta-analysis: photobiomodulation, tDCS and rTMS in Alzheimer’s disease

Netzwerk-Metaanalyse · Lasers Med Sci 2026

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Alzheimer’s & Dementia · Evidence moderate

tDCS in Alzheimer’s disease – systematic review and meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Front Aging Neurosci 2026

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Alzheimer’s & Dementia · Evidence moderate

tDCS and cognitive function in MCI and Alzheimer’s – meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Front Neurol 2026

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Alzheimer’s & Dementia · Evidence growing

Non-invasive neuromodulation to improve cognition in Alzheimer’s – meta-analysis

Netzwerk-Metaanalyse · Neurol Sci 2026

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Alzheimer’s & Dementia · Evidence moderate

rTMS combined with non-pharmacological interventions in cognitive disorders – meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Asian J Psychiatry 2025

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Alzheimer’s & Dementia · Evidence solid

Transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) in dementia

Klinische Studie · Alzheimer’s & Dementia 2026

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Anxiety Disorders · Evidence solid

Efficacy and acceptability of brain stimulation for anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of RCTs

Netzwerk-Meta · J Affect Disord 2025

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Anxiety Disorders · Evidence solid

Transcranial magnetic stimulation in anxiety and trauma-related disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Brain Behav 2019

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Anxiety Disorders · Evidence solid

Effects of rTMS of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on symptom domains in neuropsychiatric disorders: a systematic review and cross-diagnostic meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Lancet Psychiatry 2023

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Anxiety Disorders · Evidence solid

Efficacy of neurostimulation across mental disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis of 208 randomized controlled trials

Metaanalyse · Mol Psychiatry 2022

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Anxiety Disorders · Evidence moderate

Brain stimulation and other biological non-pharmacological interventions in mental disorders: an umbrella review

Umbrella-Review · Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022

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Anxiety Disorders · Evidence solid

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation for treating emotional dysregulation and inflammation in common neuropsychiatric disorders

Review · Brain Sci 2025

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Autism Spectrum · Evidence solid

Non-invasive brain stimulation for autism spectrum disorder – network meta-analysis of RCTs

Netzwerk-Metaanalyse · Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024

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Autism Spectrum · Evidence moderate

rTMS and tDCS on repetitive behaviours and executive function in autism – systematic review and meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Res Dev Disabil 2025

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Autism Spectrum · Evidence growing

Non-pharmacological and novel pharmacological therapies for autism – systematic review and network meta-analysis

Netzwerk-Metaanalyse · Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2026

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Autism Spectrum · Evidence solid

Accelerated cTBS over primary motor cortex in children with autism – multicentre randomised sham-controlled trial

RCT · BMJ 2026

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Autism Spectrum · Evidence growing

Low-frequency TMS in children with autism – sensory and behavioural outcomes of a randomised trial

RCT · Front Psychiatry 2026

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Autism Spectrum · Evidence solid

Empathy and event-related potentials before and after EEG neurofeedback in autistic adolescents

RCT · Sci Rep 2025

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Bipolar Disorder · Evidence solid

Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) for bipolar depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017

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Bipolar Disorder · Evidence solid

The efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for bipolar depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · J Affect Disord 2021

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Bipolar Disorder · Evidence solid

Comparing different non-invasive brain stimulation interventions for bipolar depression treatment: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Netzwerk-Meta · Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024

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Bipolar Disorder · Evidence solid

Accelerated intermittent theta-burst stimulation and treatment-refractory bipolar depression: a randomized clinical trial

RCT · JAMA Psychiatry 2024

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Bipolar Disorder · Evidence moderate

Brain stimulation treatment for bipolar disorder

Review · Bipolar Disord 2023

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Bipolar Disorder · Evidence moderate

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in bipolar disorder: a systematic review

Syst. Review · Bipolar Disord 2022

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Lyme Disease & Neuroborreliosis · Evidence strong

Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment in neurology — Lyme neuroborreliosis

Leitlinie · Ger Med Sci 2020

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Lyme Disease & Neuroborreliosis · Evidence strong

EFNS guidelines on the diagnosis and management of European Lyme neuroborreliosis

Leitlinie · Eur J Neurol 2010

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Lyme Disease & Neuroborreliosis · Evidence solid

Lyme borreliosis

Übersicht · Nat Rev Dis Primers 2016

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Lyme Disease & Neuroborreliosis · Evidence solid

Lyme neuroborreliosis — epidemiology, diagnosis and management

Übersicht · Nat Rev Neurol 2015

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Lyme Disease & Neuroborreliosis · Evidence solid

Prevalence and spectrum of residual symptoms in Lyme neuroborreliosis after pharmacological treatment: a systematic review

Systematische Übersicht · J Neurol 2016

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Lyme Disease & Neuroborreliosis · Evidence solid

Treatment of post-treatment Lyme disease symptoms — a systematic review

Systematische Übersicht · Eur J Neurol 2024

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Lyme Disease & Neuroborreliosis · Evidence strong

Randomized trial of longer-term therapy for symptoms attributed to Lyme disease

RCT · N Engl J Med 2016

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Lyme Disease & Neuroborreliosis · Evidence strong

Two controlled trials of antibiotic treatment in patients with persistent symptoms and a history of Lyme disease

RCT · N Engl J Med 2001

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Lyme Disease & Neuroborreliosis · Evidence moderate

Cognitive decline in post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome

Studie · Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2019

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Lyme Disease & Neuroborreliosis · Evidence early

Imaging glial activation in patients with post-treatment Lyme disease symptoms: a pilot study using [11C]DPA-713 PET

Pilotstudie · J Neuroinflammation 2018

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Lyme Disease & Neuroborreliosis · Evidence moderate

Association of small fiber neuropathy and post treatment Lyme disease syndrome

Studie · PLoS One 2019

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Lyme Disease & Neuroborreliosis · Evidence early

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome following Lyme disease

Fallserie · Cardiol J 2011

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Lyme Disease & Neuroborreliosis · Evidence early

Neuropsychiatric Lyme disease and vagus nerve stimulation

Übersicht · Antibiotics 2023

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Lyme Disease & Neuroborreliosis · Evidence solid

Vagus nerve stimulation inhibits cytokine production and attenuates disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis

Studie · PNAS 2016

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Lyme Disease & Neuroborreliosis · Evidence solid

A mechanistic analysis of the neural modulation of the inflammatory system through vagus nerve stimulation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Neuromodulation 2025

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Lyme Disease & Neuroborreliosis · Evidence growing

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation: mechanisms, applications, and research progress

Übersicht · Front Neurosci 2026

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Lyme Disease & Neuroborreliosis · Evidence solid

The effects of noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation on fatigue and immune responses in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome

Studie · Neuromodulation 2019

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Lyme Disease & Neuroborreliosis · Evidence solid

Effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on long COVID-19 with fatigue and cognitive dysfunction

Studie · Prog Rehabil Med 2023

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Lyme Disease & Neuroborreliosis · Evidence solid

Transcranial direct current stimulation for post-COVID fatigue: a randomized, double-blind, controlled pilot study

RCT-Pilot · Brain Commun 2023

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Lyme Disease & Neuroborreliosis · Evidence solid

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation ameliorates symptoms in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome)

Studie · IBRO Neurosci Rep 2023

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Burnout · Evidence moderate

HRV biofeedback for stress and anxiety: meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Psychol Med 2017

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Burnout · Evidence growing

Remote HRV biofeedback for mental health: systematic review & meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2025

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Burnout · Evidence growing

HRV biofeedback for resilience in healthcare workers: RCT

RCT · Cogn Behav Ther 2026

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Burnout · Evidence solid

Neurofeedback to reduce burnout in surgical residents: pilot study

Pilotstudie · J Am Coll Surg 2021

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Burnout · Evidence solid

taVNS for stress regulation: EEG and questionnaire study

Studie · Front Digit Health 2025

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Burnout · Evidence solid

Prefrontal tDCS and autonomic/neuroendocrine response to psychosocial stress

Studie · Stress 2020

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Huntington’s Disease · Evidence growing

Moderate-intensity exercise program during inpatient rehabilitation for middle-stage Huntington’s disease (RCT)

RCT · J Huntingtons Dis 2026

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Huntington’s Disease · Evidence solid

tDCS can enhance working memory in Huntington’s disease (RCT)

RCT · Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017

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Huntington’s Disease · Evidence solid

Cognitive training: feasibility and effects on cognition and psychosocial function in Huntington’s (pilot RCT)

Pilot-RCT · J Neurol 2025

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Huntington’s Disease · Evidence solid

Medial prefrontal transcranial alternating current stimulation for apathy in Huntington’s disease

Klinische Studie · Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023

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Chronic Pain · Evidence strong

Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques for chronic pain — Cochrane systematic review

Cochrane Review 2018

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Chronic Pain · Evidence strong

Pharmacotherapy and non-invasive neuromodulation for neuropathic pain — systematic review & meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Lancet Neurology 2025

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Chronic Pain · Evidence solid

Add-on non-invasive brain stimulation in fibromyalgia — meta-analysis of RCTs

Metaanalyse · Rheumatology 2016

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Chronic Pain · Evidence solid

tDCS on pain intensity in fibromyalgia — systematic review & meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · BMC Neurology 2023

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Chronic Pain · Evidence solid

Non-invasive electrical brain stimulation in fibromyalgia — systematic review & meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Front Pain Res 2025

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Chronic Pain · Evidence moderate

Neurofeedback in the management of chronic pain — systematic review & meta-analysis of clinical trials

Metaanalyse · Eur J Pain 2020

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Chronic Pain · Evidence moderate

Analgesic effect of EEG neurofeedback for chronic pain — systematic review & meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Eur J Neurol 2022

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Chronic Pain · Evidence moderate

Effects of neurofeedback on fibromyalgia — randomized controlled trial

RCT · Pain Manag Nurs 2021

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Chronic Pain · Evidence moderate

EMG- and EEG-biofeedback in fibromyalgia syndrome — meta-analysis & systematic review of RCTs

Metaanalyse · Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2013

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Chronic Pain · Evidence growing

Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation for chronic pain — systematic review & meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Pain Reports 2024

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Depression · Evidence strong

Theta burst versus high-frequency rTMS in depression (THREE-D): a randomised non-inferiority trial

RCT · Lancet 2018

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Depression · Evidence solid

TMS and tDCS across mental disorders: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · JAMA Netw Open 2024

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Depression · Evidence solid

Theta burst stimulation for depression: a systematic review and network and pairwise meta-analysis

Netzwerk-Meta · Mol Psychiatry 2024

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Depression · Evidence solid

Transcranial electrical stimulation in treatment of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · JAMA Netw Open 2025

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Depression · Evidence solid

Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy for treatment-resistant depression

Klinische Studie · Am J Psychiatry 2020

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Depression · Evidence moderate

Efficacy of bio- and neurofeedback for depression: a meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Psychol Med 2022

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Depression · Evidence solid

Transcranial photobiomodulation for the management of depression: current perspectives

Review · Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2019

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Epilepsy · Evidence growing

Non-invasive neurostimulation for drug-resistant epilepsy: systematic review and meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · J Neurol 2025

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Epilepsy · Evidence solid

rTMS for drug-resistant epilepsy: systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis

IPD-Metaanalyse · Epilepsia Open 2018

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Epilepsy · Evidence growing

tDCS for seizure control in refractory epilepsy: systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs

Metaanalyse · Neurosurg Rev 2025

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Epilepsy · Evidence solid

tDCS reduces seizure frequency in refractory focal epilepsy: randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled multicenter study

RCT · Brain Stimul 2020

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Epilepsy · Evidence growing

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) for drug-resistant epilepsy: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial

RCT · Neurotherapeutics 2023

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Epilepsy · Evidence solid

Sustained reduction of seizures after self-regulation training of slow cortical potentials (neurofeedback) — 10-year follow-up

Langzeit-Follow-up · Front Hum Neurosci 2014

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Epilepsy · Evidence solid

Psychiatric comorbidities in persons with epilepsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · JAMA Neurol 2025

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Fibromyalgia · Evidence solid

rTMS for fibromyalgia: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Psychosom Med 2022

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Fibromyalgia · Evidence solid

Motor cortex rTMS in fibromyalgia: multicentre randomised controlled trial

RCT · Br J Anaesth 2025

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Fibromyalgia · Evidence solid

Is tDCS effective for pain in fibromyalgia? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · J Pain 2020

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Fibromyalgia · Evidence solid

Efficacy of neuromodulation for fibromyalgia: a network meta-analysis

Netzwerk-Metaanalyse · Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2024

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Fibromyalgia · Evidence solid

Non-invasive brain stimulation for pain, fatigue and sleep in fibromyalgia: network meta-analysis

Netzwerk-Metaanalyse · Clin J Pain 2025

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Fibromyalgia · Evidence moderate

Low-level laser therapy for fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Pain Physician 2019

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Fibromyalgia · Evidence growing

Vagus nerve stimulation and fibromyalgia network physiology: systematic review

Übersicht · J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2025

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Peak Performance · Evidence solid

Does transcranial direct current stimulation improve healthy working memory? A meta-analytic review

Metaanalyse · J Cogn Neurosci 2016

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Peak Performance · Evidence growing

High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) for the enhancement of working memory — a systematic review and meta-analysis of healthy adults

Metaanalyse · Brain Stimul 2022

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Peak Performance · Evidence solid

EEG-neurofeedback for optimising performance. I: a review of cognitive and affective outcome in healthy participants

Übersicht · Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014

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Peak Performance · Evidence solid

Effects of neurofeedback training on performance in laboratory tasks: a systematic review

Systematische Übersicht · Int J Psychophysiol 2023

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Peak Performance · Evidence solid

Transcranial photobiomodulation improves cognitive performance in young healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg 2019

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Peak Performance · Evidence solid

Can transcranial photobiomodulation improve cognitive function? A systematic review of human studies

Systematische Übersicht · Ageing Res Rev 2023

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Peak Performance · Evidence solid

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a tool for cognitive enhancement in healthy adults: a review study

Übersicht · Med Biol Eng Comput 2024

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Long COVID & Post-COVID (Brain Fog, Fatigue) · Evidence solid

Modulating subjective and objective cognitive state fatigue in long COVID with repetitive anodal tDCS: results from a double-blinded randomized controlled trial

RCT · BMC Neurosci 2026

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Long COVID & Post-COVID (Brain Fog, Fatigue) · Evidence moderate

Transcranial direct current stimulation in affecting neuropsychiatric symptoms of post-COVID syndrome: No change in microstates and functional connectivity

RCT · PLoS One 2026

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Long COVID & Post-COVID (Brain Fog, Fatigue) · Evidence growing

rTMS for post-covid-19 condition: A sham-controlled case series involving iTBS-300 and iTBS-600

Fallserie · Brain Behav Immun Health 2024

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Long COVID & Post-COVID (Brain Fog, Fatigue) · Evidence growing

Transcutaneous Auricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation Against Fatigue Syndrome in Patients with Long COVID: Results of the Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Pilot Trial COVIVA

RCT · Neurol Ther 2026

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Long COVID & Post-COVID (Brain Fog, Fatigue) · Evidence solid

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation improves dysautonomia, post-traumatic stress disorder and cognitive impairment in long covid patients: a pilot study

Pilotstudie · Sci Rep 2026

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Long COVID & Post-COVID (Brain Fog, Fatigue) · Evidence moderate

Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Post-COVID-19 Condition: A Systematic Review and Critical Appraisal of Clinical Evidence

Systematischer Review · J Clin Med 2026

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Long COVID & Post-COVID (Brain Fog, Fatigue) · Evidence solid

Autonomic dysregulation in long-term patients suffering from Post-COVID-19 Syndrome assessed by heart rate variability

Studie · Sci Rep 2023

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Long COVID & Post-COVID (Brain Fog, Fatigue) · Evidence growing

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and other autonomic disorders after COVID-19 infection: a case series of 20 patients

Fallserie · Immunol Res 2021

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Long COVID & Post-COVID (Brain Fog, Fatigue) · Evidence moderate

Applicability of heart rate variability for cardiac autonomic assessment in long-term COVID patients: A systematic review

Systematischer Review · J Electrocardiol 2024

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Long COVID & Post-COVID (Brain Fog, Fatigue) · Evidence growing

Wearable Heart Rate Variability Monitoring, Autonomic Dysfunction and Post-exertional Malaise in Long COVID: An Observational Study

Studie · Sports Med 2026

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Long COVID & Post-COVID (Brain Fog, Fatigue) · Evidence growing

Photobiomodulation for cognitive dysfunction (Brain Fog) in post-COVID-19 condition: a randomized double-blind sham-controlled pilot trial

RCT · EClinicalMedicine 2026

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Long COVID & Post-COVID (Brain Fog, Fatigue) · Evidence growing

Use of either transcranial or whole-body photobiomodulation treatments improves COVID-19 brain fog

Klinische Studie · J Biophotonics 2023

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Long COVID & Post-COVID (Brain Fog, Fatigue) · Evidence solid

A systematic review of quantitative EEG findings in Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long COVID

Systematischer Review · Clin Neurophysiol 2024

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Long COVID & Post-COVID (Brain Fog, Fatigue) · Evidence solid

Cognitive, EEG, and MRI features of COVID-19 survivors: a 10-month study

Studie · J Neurol 2022

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Long COVID & Post-COVID (Brain Fog, Fatigue) · Evidence solid

Mild respiratory COVID can cause multi-lineage neural cell and myelin dysregulation

Grundlagenstudie · Cell 2022

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Long COVID & Post-COVID (Brain Fog, Fatigue) · Evidence moderate

Prevalence of symptoms, comorbidities, fibrin amyloid microclots and platelet pathology in individuals with Long COVID/Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC)

Studie · Cardiovasc Diabetol 2022

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Long COVID & Post-COVID (Brain Fog, Fatigue) · Evidence growing

The potential of heparin-induced extracorporeal LDL/fibrinogen precipitation (H.E.L.P.)-apheresis for patients with severe acute or chronic COVID-19

Übersicht · Front Cardiovasc Med 2022

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Long COVID & Post-COVID (Brain Fog, Fatigue) · Evidence moderate

Plasmapheresis to remove amyloid fibrin(ogen) particles for treating the post-COVID-19 condition

Cochrane-Review · Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023

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Long COVID & Post-COVID (Brain Fog, Fatigue) · Evidence solid

Chronic Fatigue and Postexertional Malaise in People Living With Long COVID: An Observational Study

Studie · Phys Ther 2022

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Long COVID & Post-COVID (Brain Fog, Fatigue) · Evidence solid

Effect of using a structured pacing protocol on post-exertional symptom exacerbation and health status in a longitudinal cohort with the post-COVID-19 syndrome

Studie · J Med Virol 2023

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Long COVID & Post-COVID (Brain Fog, Fatigue) · Evidence solid

Interventions for the management of long covid (post-covid condition): living systematic review

Systematischer Review · BMJ 2024

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Long COVID & Post-COVID (Brain Fog, Fatigue) · Evidence moderate

Intervention modalities for brain fog caused by long-COVID: systematic review of the literature

Systematischer Review · Neurol Sci 2024

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MCI & Cognitive Decline · Evidence solid

rTMS for mild cognitive impairment – systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs

Metaanalyse · Front Neurol 2026

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MCI & Cognitive Decline · Evidence solid

Multifocal non-invasive deep brain stimulation to enhance cognition in MCI – crossover trial

RCT · JAMA Netw Open 2026

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MCI & Cognitive Decline · Evidence solid

tDCS-induced electric fields and slowing of cognitive decline in MCI (PACt-MD RCT)

RCT · Biol Psychiatry 2025

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MCI & Cognitive Decline · Evidence growing

Accelerated iTBS combined with cognitive training in amnestic MCI

RCT · Neurol Sci 2025

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MCI & Cognitive Decline · Evidence growing

Accelerated iTBS with cognitive training modulates cortical plasticity in amnestic MCI

RCT · Exp Gerontol 2026

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MCI & Cognitive Decline · Evidence solid

Neurofeedback modulates functional networks and improves cognition in amnestic MCI

Klinische Studie · Brain Sci 2025

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ME/CFS · Evidence solid

ME/CFS: diagnosis and management — clinical review

Übersicht · Mayo Clin Proc 2023

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ME/CFS · Evidence moderate

ME/CFS: the biology of a neglected disease — review

Übersicht · Front Immunol 2024

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Migraine · Evidence strong

International Headache Society evidence-based guidelines on non-invasive neuromodulation for migraine

Leitlinie · Cephalalgia 2025

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Migraine · Evidence solid

Non-invasive brain stimulation for migraine prophylaxis — network meta-analysis of RCTs

Netzwerk-Metaanalyse · J Headache Pain 2022

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Migraine · Evidence solid

Neuromodulation for acute and preventive migraine treatment — systematic review & meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · J Headache Pain 2020

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Migraine · Evidence solid

Efficacy of transcranial magnetic stimulation on migraine — meta-analysis of RCTs

Metaanalyse · J Headache Pain 2017

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Migraine · Evidence strong

Single-pulse TMS for acute treatment of migraine with aura — randomised, sham-controlled trial

RCT · Lancet Neurology 2010

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Migraine · Evidence solid

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for migraine — systematic review & meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · CNS Neurosci Ther 2022

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Migraine · Evidence solid

Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation for prevention of episodic migraine — PREMIUM trial (RCT)

RCT · Cephalalgia 2019

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Migraine · Evidence solid

Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation for migraine prevention — PREMIUM II trial (RCT)

RCT · Cephalalgia 2022

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Migraine · Evidence solid

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) for migraine — fMRI study

RCT · Reg Anesth Pain Med 2021

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Migraine · Evidence solid

qEEG-guided neurofeedback for recurrent migraine headaches

Kontrollierte Studie · Clin EEG Neurosci 2011

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Multiple Sclerosis · Evidence growing

Intermittent theta-burst stimulation improves spasticity, pain and cognition in progressive MS (pilot RCT)

Pilot-RCT · Neurol Sci 2025

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Multiple Sclerosis · Evidence growing

Theta-burst stimulation in MS management (systematic review)

Systematischer Review · Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2024

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Multiple Sclerosis · Evidence growing

Non-invasive brain stimulation and balance control in MS (systematic review + meta-analysis)

Metaanalyse · Front Neurol 2025

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Multiple Sclerosis · Evidence solid

Telehealth-based tDCS improves cognitive outcomes in MS (sham-controlled RCT)

RCT · Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2025

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Multiple Sclerosis · Evidence solid

Aquatic therapy for fatigue, mobility and quality of life in MS (systematic review + meta-analysis)

Metaanalyse · J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2026

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Multiple Sclerosis · Evidence solid

Resistance training in MS (systematic review + meta-analysis of randomized trials)

Metaanalyse · Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2026

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Parkinson’s · Evidence solid

rTMS and theta-burst stimulation on motor symptoms in Parkinson’s (network meta-analysis)

Netzwerk-Metaanalyse · J Neurol 2026

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Parkinson’s · Evidence solid

Intermittent theta-burst stimulation for depressive symptoms in Parkinson’s (RCT)

RCT · JAMA Netw Open 2026

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Parkinson’s · Evidence growing

tDCS and motor function in Parkinson’s (systematic review + meta-analysis)

Metaanalyse · Int J Rehabil Res 2026

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Parkinson’s · Evidence growing

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation for motor and gait performance in Parkinson’s (meta-analysis)

Metaanalyse · J Neurol 2026

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Parkinson’s · Evidence solid

Resistance training and quality of life in Parkinson’s (systematic review + meta-analysis)

Metaanalyse · Physiother Res Int 2026

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Parkinson’s · Evidence growing

Exercise for quality of life, cognition and sleep in Parkinson’s (systematic review + meta-analysis)

Metaanalyse · Front Psychol 2026

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PTSD & Trauma · Evidence strong

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for post-traumatic stress disorder in adults

Cochrane-Review 2024

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PTSD & Trauma · Evidence solid

Neuromodulation treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Netzwerk-Meta · J Anxiety Disord 2024

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PTSD & Trauma · Evidence solid

Transcranial magnetic stimulation as a treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder: a meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · J Affect Disord 2021

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PTSD & Trauma · Evidence solid

Non-invasive brain stimulation for posttraumatic stress disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Transl Psychiatry 2020

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PTSD & Trauma · Evidence moderate

A randomized controlled study of neurofeedback for chronic PTSD

RCT · PLoS One 2016

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PTSD & Trauma · Evidence moderate

A randomized, controlled trial of alpha-rhythm EEG neurofeedback in posttraumatic stress disorder

RCT · NeuroImage Clin 2020

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PTSD & Trauma · Evidence moderate

Virtual reality and transcranial direct current stimulation for posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized clinical trial

RCT · JAMA Psychiatry 2024

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PTSD & Trauma · Evidence solid

Preliminary evidence of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation effects on sleep in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder

Pilotstudie · J Sleep Res 2024

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Traumatic Brain Injury · Evidence solid

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in traumatic brain injury: evidence from animal and human studies

Übersicht · Brain Res Bull 2020

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Traumatic Brain Injury · Evidence growing

Transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of concussion: a systematic review

Systematische Übersicht · Neuromodulation 2021

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Traumatic Brain Injury · Evidence solid

Accelerated rTMS in the treatment of post-concussion symptoms due to mild traumatic brain injury: a pilot study

Pilotstudie · Brain Inj 2021

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Traumatic Brain Injury · Evidence solid

Noninvasive neuromodulatory effect on cognition in individuals with traumatic brain injury: a single-blinded, two-arm parallel randomized clinical trial

RCT · Turk J Phys Med Rehabil 2024

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Traumatic Brain Injury · Evidence growing

Efficacy of non-invasive brain stimulation on cognitive functioning in brain disorders: a meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Psychol Med 2020

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Traumatic Brain Injury · Evidence solid

Traumatic brain injury recovery with photobiomodulation: cellular mechanisms, clinical evidence, and future potential

Übersicht · Cells 2024

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Traumatic Brain Injury · Evidence solid

Noninvasive brain stimulation for persistent postconcussion symptoms in mild traumatic brain injury

Kontrollierte Studie · J Neurotrauma 2015

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Insomnia & Sleep · Evidence solid

rTMS for insomnia: systematic review and meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Sleep Med 2021

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Insomnia & Sleep · Evidence solid

Efficacy of rTMS for insomnia disorder: meta-analysis of RCTs

Metaanalyse · Front Neurosci 2026

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Insomnia & Sleep · Evidence solid

taVNS for chronic insomnia disorder: randomized clinical trial

RCT · JAMA Netw Open 2024

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Insomnia & Sleep · Evidence moderate

taVNS in insomnia: systematic review and meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Neuromodulation 2025

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Insomnia & Sleep · Evidence moderate

Transcranial alternating current stimulation for chronic insomnia: RCT

RCT · Psychother Psychosom 2020

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Insomnia & Sleep · Evidence growing

Neurofeedback to enhance sleep quality and insomnia: meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Front Neurosci 2024

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Insomnia & Sleep · Evidence growing

Photobiomodulation and sleep quality: systematic review and meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Lasers Med Sci 2026

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Stroke Rehabilitation · Evidence solid

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for motor recovery after stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with low risk of bias

Metaanalyse · Neuromodulation 2025

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Stroke Rehabilitation · Evidence solid

Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques for the improvement of upper limb motor function and performance in activities of daily living after stroke: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Netzwerk-Metaanalyse · Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2023

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Stroke Rehabilitation · Evidence strong

Vagus nerve stimulation paired with rehabilitation for upper limb motor function after ischaemic stroke (VNS-REHAB): a randomised, blinded, pivotal, device trial

Pivotale RCT · Lancet 2021

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Stroke Rehabilitation · Evidence growing

Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) in stroke: the evidence, challenges and future directions

Übersicht · Auton Neurosci 2022

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Stroke Rehabilitation · Evidence growing

Transcranial direct current stimulation for post-stroke dysphagia: a meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · J Neuroeng Rehabil 2023

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Stroke Rehabilitation · Evidence growing

Effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on post-stroke comorbid cognitive impairment and depression: a randomized controlled trial

RCT · J Alzheimers Dis 2024

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Stress & Exhaustion · Evidence growing

Neurofeedback-assisted mindfulness training for stress reduction in employees: RCT

RCT · JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2023

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Stress & Exhaustion · Evidence solid

Neurofeedback-assisted meditation via wearable for stress reduction: RCT

RCT · J Korean Med Sci 2024

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Treatment-Resistant Depression · Evidence strong

Stanford Neuromodulation Therapy (SNT): a double-blind randomized controlled trial

RCT · Am J Psychiatry 2022

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Treatment-Resistant Depression · Evidence solid

Accelerated TMS for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Psychiatry Res 2019

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Treatment-Resistant Depression · Evidence solid

Comparisons of accelerated continuous and intermittent theta burst stimulation for treatment-resistant depression

RCT · Biol Psychiatry 2024

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Treatment-Resistant Depression · Evidence moderate

Comparison between accelerated and standard or sham rTMS in the treatment of depression: a systematic review

Syst. Review · Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2025

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Treatment-Resistant Depression · Evidence growing

New neuromodulation techniques for treatment-resistant depression

Review · Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2020

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Tinnitus · Evidence solid

Neuromodulation for treatment of tinnitus — systematic review & meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2024

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Tinnitus · Evidence solid

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for chronic tinnitus — systematic review & meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · BMC Psychiatry 2020

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Tinnitus · Evidence solid

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for chronic tinnitus — randomized clinical trial

RCT · JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2015

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Tinnitus · Evidence solid

Non-invasive neuromodulation for tinnitus — meta-analysis and modeling studies

Metaanalyse · Brain Stimulation 2021

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Tinnitus · Evidence solid

Dual-site transcranial direct current stimulation to treat tinnitus — randomized controlled trial

RCT · Brain 2022

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Tinnitus · Evidence solid

Non-invasive treatments improve outcomes in chronic tinnitus — systematic review & network meta-analysis

Netzwerk-Metaanalyse · Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2024

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Tinnitus · Evidence moderate

Transcranial direct current stimulation in tinnitus patients — systematic review & meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · ScientificWorldJournal 2012

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Tinnitus · Evidence growing

fMRI neurofeedback outperforms cognitive behavioral therapy for tinnitus distress — randomized clinical trial

RCT · Radiology 2024

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Tinnitus · Evidence solid

Individualized alpha/delta neurofeedback in chronic tinnitus — randomized controlled trial

RCT · Neural Plasticity 2019

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Tinnitus · Evidence solid

Vagus nerve stimulation paired with tones for treatment of tinnitus — randomized, double-blind pilot study

RCT-Pilot · Scientific Reports 2017

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Cerebral Palsy · Evidence growing

Noninvasive brain stimulation for upper limb motor activity in children and young adults with cerebral palsy and pediatric stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · J Neuroeng Rehabil 2025

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Cerebral Palsy · Evidence solid

Neuromodulation for children with hemiparesis and perinatal stroke: a randomized clinical trial

RCT · JAMA Neurol 2025

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Cerebral Palsy · Evidence solid

Transcranial direct current stimulation combined with an intensive training program for upper limb rehabilitation in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled pilot study

RCT-Pilot · Res Dev Disabil 2025

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Cerebral Palsy · Evidence growing

Safety and effectiveness of non-invasive brain stimulation on mobility and balance function in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Metaanalyse · J Neuroeng Rehabil 2025

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Cerebral Palsy · Evidence growing

Safety and efficacy of non-invasive brain stimulation for the upper extremities in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review

Systematische Übersicht · Dev Med Child Neurol 2024

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Cerebral Palsy · Evidence solid

The effects of neurofeedback training for children with cerebral palsy and co-occurring attention deficits: a pilot study

Pilotstudie · Child Care Health Dev 2024

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OCD · Evidence strong

Efficacy and safety of deep transcranial magnetic stimulation for obsessive-compulsive disorder: a prospective multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

RCT · Am J Psychiatry 2019

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OCD · Evidence solid

Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials

Metaanalyse · J Psychiatr Res 2024

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OCD · Evidence solid

A meta-analysis of transcranial magnetic stimulation in obsessive-compulsive disorder

Metaanalyse · Biol Psychiatry Cogn Neurosci Neuroimaging 2023

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OCD · Evidence solid

Efficacy of accelerated deep transcranial magnetic stimulation with double cone coil in obsessive-compulsive disorder: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study

RCT · J Psychiatr Res 2024

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OCD · Evidence moderate

A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of different cortical targets used in rTMS for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Metaanalyse · Psychiatr Q 2018

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OCD · Evidence moderate

Efficacy and safety of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Metaanalyse · Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2025

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OCD · Evidence moderate

Brain stimulation in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): a systematic review

Syst. Review · Curr Neuropharmacol 2019

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The Douwes Brain Center is part of Clinicum St. Georg, under the medical direction of Dr. med. univ. Julian Douwes. Every study carries its grade: strong, moderate, growing or limited. Where the data are still growing, it says so.

What does the evidence mean for you?

That depends on your own findings. In a free consultation we put the research into context for your situation. Bring the study you found here, and your question about it.

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