French researchers have been able to partially locate and neutralize the area of the brain involved in the phenomenon of “voices” heard by schizophrenic patients.
The placebo-controlled trial of 59 patients by Prof. Sonia Dollfus et al. (University Hospital of Caen, France) has shown that high-frequency transcranial stimulation (TMS) in this area partially removes their verbal auditory hallucinations (HAVs).
“This is the first controlled trial to accurately determine an anatomically defined area of the brain where high frequency magnetic pulses can improve speech hearing in schizophrenics,” said Professor Sonia Dollfus of the University of Caen.