Information Wellness Blog

Brain stimulation therapies have proven successful at treating mental illnesses. This page includes treatments approved by the Food and Drug Administration as well as more experimental ones.

ECT is the go-to noninvasive brain stimulation therapy for depression. Used to treat severe, treatment-resistant depressive episodes in those 13 years or older.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) has long been used as an effective means to treat severe depression. The process requires being under anesthesia with electrodes attached to your head; electrical pulses then send directly into your brain that trigger seizures that rapidly relieve depressive symptoms and eliminate them altogether. Furthermore, it has proven more successful than antidepressant drugs when dealing with psychotic depression, such as hallucinations or delusions – and has even been demonstrated more successful at eliminating psychotic depression symptoms altogether.

Beginning its existence in 1938, ECT was developed by an Italian neurologist after noting the mood improvements experienced by patients suffering seizures due to epilepsy. He understood it was the chemical and electrical changes occurring within their brain caused by these seizures that helped patients. Treatment usually includes two to three sessions each week over several weeks in combination with medication.

Studies have demonstrated that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) results in significant symptom improvement for up to 80% of patients receiving it. While there may be risks associated with ECT such as short-term memory loss (which typically improves within weeks), their likelihood is quite low; risks increase significantly for people who already have preexisting conditions like dementia or depression as a risk for this side effect.

Researchers have also observed that ECT causes widespread changes to brain volume in areas associated with mood disorders, likely related to activation of dopamine receptors in the brain. Of all forms of therapy available today, ECT seems to provide immediate antidepressant effects more rapidly than any other.

ECT typically involves administering anesthesia and administering muscle relaxants in order to decrease muscle spasm intensity. A physician then determines an optimal stimulation level through an iterative process called “dose titration.” For optimal effectiveness, stimulation levels should exceed your individual seizure threshold thresholds.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatments typically occur in a designated ECT suite, post-anesthesia care unit or outpatient surgery center on an outpatient basis. You must abstain from food and liquid intake for six hours before arriving at your appointment time in order to complete paperwork and prepare for anesthesia.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a noninvasive procedure that uses electromagnetic fields to target areas involved with mood regulation in the brain. Approved since 2008 as an FDA treatment option for depression, TMS may prove especially helpful among those who do not respond well to antidepressant medications. An rTMS session typically involves placing an electromagnetic coil over an area of your brain known to regulate mood regulation and depression. Magnetic pulses generated by a stimulation device – similar to an MRI scanner’s 70 mm figure 8 coil – are delivered through the scalp by means of TMS to stimulate nerve cells that connect deeper parts of the brain responsible for mood. TMS treatment is painless and does not require anesthetic or sedation for use.

Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of repetitive TMS for treating medication-resistant depression; however, its full course can be challenging for individuals who work or have other obligations such as child care responsibilities; additionally, patients may experience debilitating side effects during the treatment period that make them unwilling to continue or discontinue the course altogether. As a result, researchers are actively searching for methods to optimize TMS delivery schedules and reduce response times.

To reduce the duration of TMS treatments, new protocols have been created which provide multiple short sessions each day or week instead of just a single daily one. These accelerated TMS regimens have shown comparable or greater efficacy than standard regimens despite still remaining unclear about how exactly it works.

Neuronavigation or “brain mapping,” one of the most promising developments, uses structural MRI scan results to guide a magnetic coil directly to the specific brain region that needs stimulating. This allows patients greater freedom when scheduling TMS treatments – including accommodating work or family obligations.

Other promising advances include combining targeting with E-field modeling, which allows for optimal coil orientation on the brain based on individual skull structure and TMS coil location. This may also help optimize magnetic field strength for each person individually to increase treatment efficiency further.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive therapy that utilizes electrodes placed on the head or neck and applying low electrical current, in order to increase or decrease resting membrane potential of neurons in different brain regions, making firing easier or harder respectively. Furthermore, currents from electrodes placed over them may alter how neurotransmitters bind with receptors within your nervous system thereby altering mood and cognition.

Researchers have combined tDCS and rTMS as an effective treatment strategy for depression. According to one study, using both treatments together resulted in significantly lower HDRS-24 total scores both post-intervention and 1-month follow-up periods compared to either treatment alone; it also led to more responders and better remission rates than either rTMS or active tDCS alone.

tDCS works by increasing neurotransmitter concentration in certain regions of the brain, with its effects lasting for hours after stimulation has been applied. Unlike some frequency therapies, tDCS is noninvasive and typically only produces temporary side effects such as burning sensation at electrode sites or headaches – both are short term issues.

Studies of transcranial direct current stimulation for depression have demonstrated its benefits by showing it can significantly enhance mood in those suffering from persistent or treatment-resistant depression, and can enhance cognitive performance by strengthening working memory efficiency. Unfortunately, however, these benefits cannot be distinguished from collateral reduction of depression itself.

Recent research demonstrated that transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) was more effective than placebo at treating recurrent depression among individuals who had failed to respond to two courses of antidepressant medication. The trial included six weeks of daily tDCS followed by a three-week sham treatment phase, where participants and raters were unaware of which treatment allocation had been received. Participants treated with the tDCS treatment showed significant improvements in depressive symptoms comparable to responses seen in open-label studies such as Sequenced Treatment Alternatives Relieve Depression (STAR*D).

tDCS also boasts an economical and user-friendly administration process, being administered by trained clinicians with basic equipment – with no major risks involved with its administration.

Magnetic Stimulation Therapy (MST)

Magnetic Seizure Therapy* (MST) is an innovative new approach that combines the benefits of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) with minimal memory or cognitive side effects. A magnetic coil will be placed over your head under general anesthesia during MST; then magnetic pulses generated from that coil produce brain waves with much smaller impact than those created by ECT, producing brain waves much more locallyized than its waves while producing far fewer cognitive issues such as memory loss or confusion.

MST remains in research phase, yet has already shown itself to be just as effective as ECT for treating depression. Furthermore, its use has also been investigated in other psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia with promising results thus far.

Researchers tend to emphasize MST’s efficacy; however, several studies have also explored its safety. This review is one of the first to focus on MST safety data in order to gain a more balanced perspective of this promising technique.

The authors conducted a comprehensive literature search in eight databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CBM, CNKI and VIP) to identify trials that fulfilled their inclusion criteria. All eligible titles and abstracts were then assessed for relevance before their full texts were obtained if needed – 19 studies made the cut in their analysis.

Study results indicated that MST was safe to use among medically stable individuals who required anesthesia, although potential side effects have included headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, fatigue and muscle aches that were possibly triggered by either the anesthesia itself or by MST itself. Therefore it is vital that any potential risks or benefits of MST treatments with your physician and they can recommend which therapy would be most suitable for you.

If you want to enhance the tone, texture and firmness of your skin there are numerous treatments available – radio frequency facial tightening being one non-invasive rejuvenating option that has proven itself effective.

“Radiofrequency can help smooth red carpet skin by increasing oxygen levels and outlining facial contours, according to London facialist Abigail James. Additionally, it’s an effective alternative to injectable treatments.”

Lines and Wrinkles

As your skin ages, collagen proteins degrade, leading to wrinkles and lines that make you appear older than you really are. That is why many anti-ageing treatments focus on replenishing these proteins to stimulate new collagen growth and tighten skin for a more youthful look. Radio frequency treatment for facial rejuvenation has proven particularly successful as an instant and long-term solution for younger-looking, firmer skin.

RF therapy is a painless and noninvasive procedure that uses radiowave technology to heat deep layers of skin without harming its outer layers. Your body responds by producing new collagen in response to this heat source, creating tighter and firmer skin over time. This technique has proven itself successful at reducing fine lines and wrinkles, contouring body parts such as hips and waistlines, improving cellulite and stretch marks, as well as even helping reduce dry eye symptoms.

Researchers found monopolar radio frequency to be an effective treatment for facial skin laxity and the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, researchers discovered RF increased collagen types I and III production along with hyaluronic acid production to maintain skin elasticity; additionally RF tightening caused reorientation of elastic fibers within dermal matrix to replace any existing elastotic ones.

Radiofrequency therapy offers several other advantages over other anti-ageing techniques, including laser treatments and microneedling. RF treatment is safe to use on skin of all colors and textures and suitable for people with sensitive skin – and even safer than these alternatives such as laser treatments and microneedling!

As radiofrequency treatments don’t involve needles or scalpels, RF treatments tend to be less invasive. Before receiving radiofrequency therapy treatments, however, you will need to speak to a doctor, especially if taking blood-thinners or pregnant.

Though RF skin rejuvenation offers impressive benefits, it is important to remember that individual results will differ based on who is being treated and whether regular sessions are necessary to achieve your desired goals. Furthermore, you should engage in healthy lifestyle habits and practice sun protection for maximum longevity of results.

Acne Scarring

Acne scarring can have a devastating impact on both the appearance and texture of skin. It often results from severe acne attacks that leave behind nodules or cysts which burst and leave damage behind in their wake, but scarring can also occur from picking or squeezing spots; although permanent, acne scars may improve over time or with treatment.

There are various types of acne scars, and each requires its own approach for treating. Most treatments aim to fade scars into their surroundings to lessen their prominence and enhance overall facial aesthetic. A dermatologist will be able to recommend an ideal course of treatment tailored specifically for you depending on your skin type and desired outcomes.

Hypertrophic acne scars are raised above the surface, creating a bumpy texture. Ice pick and boxcar scars tend to have shallower depth and more linear characteristics while rolling scars have broad, wave-like features. Hybrid scars combine both characteristics into one scar and may show both textural changes as well as color variants.

Dermatologists often utilize skin resurfacing procedures such as laser therapy or chemical peels to diminish the appearance of acne scars, including laser therapy or chemical peels. This helps smooth out edges of scars while stimulating growth of new cells and encouraging remodelling.

Dermabrasion and dermaplaning are also effective options for skin resurfacing, while radio frequency energy (RF energy) may help tighten sagging skin more significantly if combined with these methods for more dramatic results.

Monopolar radiofrequency skin tightening procedures provide an effective and safe method to smooth away fine lines, wrinkles, loose skin, reduce the appearance of sagging facial skin and contour your face and neck for a more youthful look. Collagen production stimulation plays an essential role in this procedure and stimulated by it will further diminish any visible sagginess on facial features and neck lines.

RF energy can be used to treat dark spots caused by acne scarring. Furthermore, this treatment can also benefit those suffering from uneven skin tone or discoloration caused by sun exposure; its heating action stimulates deep layers of the skin’s healing processes to promote more even skintone.

Brighter Skin Tone

RF heat penetrates deeper layers of skin, causing minor damage that nudges your body to rebuild the damaged structures. In doing so, this process also boosts collagen production which helps tighten skin tighten up fine lines and wrinkles while improving sun damage appearance. When combined with microneedling treatments such as microneedle rolling RF treatments can brighten skin tone as well as reduce discolorations like age spots or scarring.

Facial radiofrequency treatments offer versatile and effective results for all skin types and colors. Facial RF treatment works especially well on thinner, better blood-flowed areas of the face like lips and eyes that respond very positively to treatment; similarly, its benefits extend to neck wrinkles as well as more robust spots like stomach or arm areas for dramatic body contouring effects.

Due to its versatility, Facial Radiofrequency (RF) treatment is one of the most sought-after treatments at our spa and has even become a favorite among celebrities like Michelle Williams. RF treatments provide the ideal way to correct wrinkles, fine lines or define jawlines without surgery; London facialist Abigail James even refers to it as “the face lifter of non-invasive world.”

RF facials are both cost-effective and long-term results-oriented treatments, making them an attractive option. A series of three to six sessions should usually provide noticeable improvements; it is wise to consult a professional first to ensure the desired outcomes are reached.

Remember, radiofrequency (RF) treatments aren’t a permanent fix – the aging process continues after your series of RF sessions have ended, so regular maintenance treatments will need to be administered to maintain results and keep them from dissipating over time. Our team recommends pairing facial RF with noninvasive procedures like microneedling for maximum rejuvenation results.

Tighter Skin

Radio frequency skin tightening therapy (RFST), also known as radio frequency skin tightening treatments, are becoming an increasingly popular non-invasive aesthetic treatment due to their quick results and minimal downtime. Not only can RF treatments reduce wrinkles and saggy skin but they can also help improve tone and texture of your complexion. While many devices are available for purchase online or at your local pharmacy, you should only seek treatment from a dermatologist or board certified plastic surgeon for maximum safety and optimal outcomes.

An RF treatment involves using a handheld applicator to deliver energy directly into the target area. As it glides across, heat penetrates deep layers of skin and stimulates production of new collagen fibers by your body – leading to fine line and wrinkle reduction and tightening up of loose skin.

As with any treatment, results of radio frequency treatments take time. Over time, your body’s collagen will work at a cellular level for six months after each RF session to keep making your face younger and fresher looking.

RF skin tightening treatments offer numerous advantages over surgical options, including no downtime and no scars left behind. Furthermore, these noninvasive therapies are safe for all skin colors and types; especially darker skin tones which are difficult to treat with lasers.

As cosmetic procedures, radiofrequency (RF) treatments aren’t covered by health insurance policies. But there may be an at-home device available that administers them more cost effectively. Unfortunately, however, such at-home devices won’t offer nearly the same results or duration as professional devices used by dermatologists and plastic surgeons, nor will their results last as long.

Dr. Brunner will provide more details regarding radiofrequency skin tightening at your consultation, along with which device/s and treatment plan would best help you reach the results you desire. She uses topical numbing cream and protective gels for maximum comfort; for additional pain relief she offers Pro-Nox, a nitrous oxide inhalant.