Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive method of brain stimulation that uses magnetic fields to induce small electric currents in specific regions of the brain. The procedure involves the use of an electromagnetic coil, which is placed on the scalp and positioned over the targeted area of the brain. The coil generates a magnetic field, which is able to penetrate the skull and enter the brain unimpeded.
TMS uses these magnetic fields to induce a much smaller electric current in a specific part of the brain. The electric current then induces changes in the neural activity of the targeted brain region, which can be used to treat a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
One of the most common forms of TMS is “rapid-rate” TMS, which involves the application of TMS at high frequencies (e.g. Hz). This form of TMS causes neuronal depolarization in the local brain tissue under the stimulating coil which is associated with various physiological changes in the brain. These changes are thought to be similar to those seen in other depression therapies, such as antidepressant medications and psychotherapy.
TMS is a relatively new treatment method. However, it has been FDA-approved for the treatment of depression and is being studied for other conditions.
Rapid Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) works by using a specialized device to generate a rapidly changing magnetic field, which is directed at a specific area of the brain through an electromagnetic coil. When the magnetic field passes through the skull and enters the brain, it induces a small electric current in the targeted brain region. This electric current causes changes in the activity of the targeted neural cells, which in turn can lead to changes in brain function.
rTMS is typically administered at high frequencies (e.g. 5 Hz or higher), which leads to neuronal depolarization in the targeted brain region. This depolarization is thought to lead to changes in the release of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that transmit signals between neurons. These changes in neurotransmitter release can lead to changes in the activity of neural circuits, which can affect mood, perception, and cognitive function.
rTMS is a non-invasive method and does not require the patient to be sedated. It can be administered on an outpatient basis and usually takes around 20 minutes per session. The treatment protocol and the number of sessions required may vary depending on the condition being treated.
rTMS is approved by the FDA for treating depression, and it is being studied for other conditions such as anxiety, schizophrenia, and Parkinson’s disease.
TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to relieve symptoms of depression. It is typically used when other depression treatments haven’t been effective. During the TMS session, an electromagnetic coil is placed against the scalp near the forehead, and treatment for depression involves delivering repetitive magnetic pulses. This is called repetitive TMS or rTMS. rTMS is usually conducted in an outpatient setting like a doctor’s office or clinic and requires a series of treatment sessions, generally, sessions are carried out daily five times a week (for four to six weeks). The electromagnet painlessly delivers a magnetic pulse that stimulates nerve cells in the region of the brain involved in mood control and it may activate regions of the brain that have decreased activity in people with depression. TMS therapy has helped depression sufferers around the world.
