Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a FDA approved non-invasive method to cause depolarization or hyperpolarization in the neurons of the brain. Tms uses electromagnetic induction to induce weak electric currents using a rapidly changing magnetic field: this can cause activity in specific or general parts of the brain with little discomfort, allowing for study of the brain’s functioning and interconnections.

Depression, mental disorders are the major reason for suicide and 10thLeading cause of death. 1 in 5 people suffer from major or temporary psychiatric disorders. Researches still couldn’t conclude the causes for mental health. Researchers suggest that chemical/ neurotransmitter imbalance may be the major cause. Though no treatment claims complete solution for depression and other mental illness, researchers observed that stimulation of cortical neurons/ nerve cell in brain can have a positive effect on neurotransmitter levels

Brain Neurons and neuron transmitters play huge role in mind and mood related psychiatric conditions. For some people the neurons are excessively active and for some it very less active. This chemical imbalance / neurotransmitter imbalance is believed to be the cause of depression and other mental/ mood disorders. Researchers suggest that the stimulation of cortical neurons/ nerve cell in brain may have a positive effect on neurotransmitter levels. Regulation of neurons & balancing neuron transmitters may significantly control a person’s mind and mood. Blood flow and glucose metabolism rise in the activated regions is thought to improved mood. TMS does this job more effectively with nil or least side-effects, unlike ECT and anti-depression drugs.

According to the United States National institute of Mental Health, TMS “uses a magnet instead of an electrical current to activate the brain. An electromagnetic coil is held against the forehead and short electromagnetic pulses are administered through the coil. The magnetic pulse easily passes through the skull, and causes small electrical currents that stimulate nerve cells in the targeted brain region. And because this type of pulse generally does not reach further than two inches into the brain, scientists can select which parts of the brain will be affected and which will not be.

The magnetic field is about the same strength as that of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. “A variant of TMS, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), has been tested as a treatment tool for various Neurological and Psychiatric disorders including Migraine, Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Dystonia, Tinnitus and Depression.

TMS uses rapidly changing field to stimulate the neurons in the brain. It uses highly focused MRI strength magnetic pulses to activate a specific region of the brain that regulates mood. It is indicated for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders and rehabilitation purposes.TMS uses rapidly changing magnetic field to stimulate the neurons in the brain. It uses highly focused MRI strength magnetic pulses to activates a specific region of the brain that regulates mood. It is indicated for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders and rehabilitation purposes.

Characteristics:

• 0.5-3 Tesla magnetic field created

• Figure of 8 (butterfly) coil allows precise focusing

• Touch screen interface offers access to easy operation

• Oil circulation cooling system installed for non-stop operation

• It can be linked to biological signal instruments such as EMG

Clinical Application:

TMS Mechanism of Action Summary:

• Specifically targets the underlying brain circuits involved in mood regulation
• Directly depolarizes cortical neurons and modulates neurotransmitter release in the brain
• Effects involve both the local and deep neural circuits in the brain
• Accomplishes these effects without unwanted systemic adverse effects