Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a revolutionary treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. TMS is non-invasive and painless, making it a safe and effective alternative to traditional treatments for a variety of psychiatric and, possibly, neurological disorders. Currently it is only FDA approved for depression.
What is TMS Treatment?
TMS treatment involves the use of a magnetic coil that is placed over the scalp. The magnetic field generated by the coil is then used to stimulate specific areas of the brain that are responsible for various functions, such as mood regulation, pain perception, and motor control.
The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting and typically lasts about 30 minutes. Patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the treatment.
What Conditions Can TMS Treatment Help With?
TMS treatment has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of neurological disorders, including:
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Depression: TMS has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression and smoking cessation that has not responded to other treatments, such as medication or psychotherapy.
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Anxiety: The FDA also approved TMS for the the treatment anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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Chronic pain: TMS has been used to treat chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and migraines.
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Motor disorders: TMS has been used to treat motor disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and dystonia
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Rehabilitation: Post stroke recovery
How Does TMS Treatment Work?
TMS treatment works by stimulating specific areas of the brain that are responsible for various functions. The magnetic field generated by the coil activates the nerve cells in the targeted area, leading to an increase in activity in that region.
Over time, this increased activity can lead to changes in the brain that help to alleviate symptoms of neurological disorders. For example, in depression, TMS can help to increase the activity in the prefrontal cortex, a region of the brain that is known to be involved in mood regulation.
What Are the Benefits of TMS Treatment?
One of the main benefits of TMS treatment is that it is non-invasive and painless. Unlike other treatments for neurological disorders, such as deep brain stimulation or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS does not require surgery or the use of anesthesia.
TMS treatment is also highly targeted, meaning that it can be used to stimulate specific areas of the brain without affecting surrounding tissues. This makes TMS a safe and effective treatment option for many patients.
In addition, TMS treatment has few side effects. The most common side effects are mild and include headache and scalp discomfort. These side effects usually go away on their own within a few hours of the treatment.
Is TMS Treatment Right for You?
If you are struggling with a neurological disorder that has not responded to other treatments or were unable to tolerate oral medications, TMS treatment may be right for you. At our neurology practice, we offer state-of-the-art TMS treatment to help our patients find relief from their symptoms.
To learn more about TMS treatment and whether it is right for you, schedule an appointment with one of our neurologists today. We can help you determine if TMS treatment is the right choice for your unique needs and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your goals.
Author
Integrated Neurology Services
