Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is one of the most fast growing powerful, non-invasive tools used in studying the human brain. In this, a pulsed magnetic field through flowing current flow temporarily excite or inhibit specific regions of the brain. Broadly said, TMS of occipital cortex can generates visual phosphenes or scotomas and TMS of motor cortex creates a block movement or muscle twitch. In some, TMS can even alter the performance of the brain ahead of the time of stimulation, offering a furthered scope for therapy.

Today, Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is gaining popularity as one of the safest noninvasive procedure in stimulating the nerve cells in the brain which can help improve symptoms of depression. That being said, it is typically used when other depression treatments fail to provide results.

Understanding repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation

When looking for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Near Me, you might get some results showing repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). It is a form of brain stimulation therapy that is a strong treatment used in curing depression and anxiety. The therapy has initially started in 1985 but has gone over a number of developments in the last couple of years. It uses a magnet to target and stimulate certain section of the brain.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has called rTMS as an approved treatment for major depression condition. Patients who fail to respond to the other treatments for depression, this can be opted along with the traditional treatments.

Using TMS

As said, this is a solution to treat severe depression which is usually recommended only after extensive medication and psychotherapy fail to provide effective results. Broadly speaking, doctors often suggest taking at least one round of prescription antidepressants prior to exploring the opportunity of TMS. Depending on the condition of the person, he/she might also be given antidepressants and psychotherapy along with this non-invasive procedure.

It is safe to say that TMS is a step before electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), specially for people who aren’t physically sound enough for such procedure.

Any side effects?

Varying from person to person, some patients might require one or two treatments every alternate weeks. While some might need 6 weeks of treatment, others can feel better within 2-3 weeks only. Although, the following symptoms are common but nothing much to worry-

• feelings of lightheadedness
• mild headaches
• slight issue in hearing (arising from loud magnet noise)
• tingling in the jaw, face, or scalp

Preparation

TMS is only prescribed after thorough evaluation of the patient. There are some typical physical exams conducted such as the lad tests to determine if the blood pressure and other related conditions are alright. Psychiatric evaluation is also a major part of this where it is necessary to discuss the depression with the health provider.

The most common query – what happens during a TMS procedure?

The procedure is based on using magnetic pulses; so, prior to starting the treatment, patients are asked to remove any magnetic-sensitive objects. That is, they cannot carry any jewelry or credit cards while in the process goes on. Patients are required to wear earplugs during treatment to protect them from any hearing jerks TMS produces a loud clicking sound with each pulse.

During the first TMS session, the patient is seated and several measurements are done to ensure the accurate positioning of the TMS coil. Once done, the TMS coil is suspended over the patient’s scalp. An expert measures the patient’s motor threshold and constantly administers the required data of the several brief pulses. The motor threshold is the minimum power that stimulates the patient’s thumb twitch. This power, however, varies for every individual. The motor threshold determines what and how to prepare the next treatment settings. This also helps understanding the amount of energy required to stimulate brain cells.

The data thus collected is thoroughly analysed and reassessed after a certain period of the treatment. Depending on the development, the medication and other necessary changes are done.