TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is an FDA-approved noninvasive therapy for depression that has not responded to medications. An electromagnetic coil placed on the scalp creates short magnetic pulses to provide treatment.
MeRT typically involves 32-36 trains of electromagnetic stimulation at specific sites for six to eight seconds each, totalling 45 minutes of therapy in each session.
Non-invasive
Magnetic Resonance Therapy (TMS) offers non-invasive solutions to those who have not found relief with antidepressants alone. TMS works by stimulating particular areas of the brain that help control mood regulation – providing relief for depression, OCD and migraine symptoms alike as well as treating PTSD or any other conditions unresponsive to medication.
Scientists have identified specific pathways in the brain responsible for depression. Using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), neuromodulators use an electromagnet and coil that produce electromagnetic fields which cause neurons to depolarize, release neurotransmitters and lead to improved mood and behavior. In combination with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), this treatment method maps circuits associated with mental health conditions.
Researchers are actively engaged in designing tailored, effective brain stimulation therapies for depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder and other mental illnesses. At UTSW they have taken the lead with innovative brain stimulation therapies which could bring effective treatments for conditions which cannot be managed with antidepressant medicines alone.
At our clinics, every care is taken to minimize side effects from our procedure. Patients typically spend between 30-45 minutes sitting comfortably on a chair with one of our experienced technicians for this non-invasive, painless treatment that uses magnetic pulses that reach 2-3 centimeters into the brain directly beneath the treatment coil.
rTMS stands in contrast to ECT in that it is safe and noninvasive; FDA-clear for treating PTSD, depression and OCD and can even be combined with medications to help manage them effectively. Furthermore, research into its potential applications includes investigating it for treating other psychiatric conditions like adolescent bipolar disorder and Tourette syndrome.
The UNC Neuroscience Center has created a patented system, currently being tested in clinical trials, which has received Breakthrough Device status from the FDA to expedite regulatory processes faster. If successful, this new device could revolutionize treatment for depression in people who do not respond well to antidepressants.
Safe
People who do not respond well to talk therapy or antidepressant medicine can try repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a new treatment utilizing magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain. FDA has approved it as a remedy for depression; now more places across the nation offer it; additional studies are currently ongoing for other conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
rTMS device features two magnetic coils placed on either side of the head to target specific regions in the brain that cause depression, in a painless process without side effects like upset stomach or appetite changes caused by antidepressants. Over half of unipolar depression patients who receive treatment experience measurable improvement after just two treatments!
Before beginning an rTMS treatment, your provider will gather details on your medical history and symptoms before placing the magnetic coils on your scalp, which causes a clicking sound similar to tapping. After finding the ideal location for you, they may move them until they find one suitable for all. You may wish to wear hearing protection such as earplugs to lessen noise disturbance during this procedure which typically lasts 3-22 minutes.
As part of your treatment, you will sit or lie down. Magnetic pulses may make your limbs feel twitchy but they should not be noticeable to you; some individuals experience mild headaches from magnetic impulses; it is important that if this occurs or any discomfort develops to notify the treatment team as lower strength coils or coil placement adjustments could reduce these side effects.
Research supporting rTMS as an antidepressant treatment is encouraging, and most experts consider the treatment safe. With minimal cognitive side effects compared to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which can cause confusion and memory loss; more targeted targeting; less precise effects; and preciseness that allows smaller areas to be targeted with pinpoint accuracy – one clinical trial proved that rTMS was as effective at treating depression while having less cognitive side effects.
One study demonstrated that an intensive form of rTMS, Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy or SAINT, brought remission for about 80% of participants within six weeks with once daily sessions using magnetic pulses tailored specifically to each patient’s brain activity.
Painless
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) utilizes an electromagnet to deliver low-intensity magnetic pulses which depolarize neurons in the brain and reset connected circuits, helping it regulate mood and alleviate depression symptoms. As it’s noninvasive and doesn’t require anesthesia or incisions, rTMS can be performed at either clinical or office locations, with results being seen among patients not responding well to antidepressant drugs and psychotherapy alone. FDA clearance allows this noninvasive technique and has proven its efficacy against treatment-resistant depression symptoms that fail other forms of treatment such as antidepressants and psychotherapy alone.
During the procedure, a provider places a magnetic coil against your head – typically focused on dorsolateral prefrontal cortex – which creates electromagnetic pulses passing through skull and scalp, producing magnetic pulses which are applied directly to areas of depression. Treatment sessions usually last three to 40 minutes each and are administered five days a week for four to six weeks. On your initial visit, precise measurements will be taken of your skull in order to assess how much magnetic charge will be necessary to provide a comfortable experience. Most individuals tolerate this therapy well without experiencing pain; some may feel tapping or slight discomfort at the coil location while some might even experience headaches which usually subside within days or weeks.
MST (Multi-Stressor Treatment), is an emerging technique which combines aspects of both ECT and rTMS into one treatment approach. While still in its early stages of investigation and use, research shows promise for treating depression with MST. Research indicates it to be as effective as ECT without its side-effects, with greater patient independence post treatment due to non-sedated administration allowing patients to return quickly back to daily activities after treatment.
As part of your treatment, you will sit in a chair while being awake while the provider applies the coil against your head and hear its clicking sound with each magnetic pulse. Some individuals report experiencing headaches, scalp discomfort or lightheadedness; other experience tingling in their arms and legs; there is only a low risk of medical complications with this procedure, however any adverse symptoms should be reported immediately to their physician.
Effective
TMS Therapy is an efficient and safe method for treating depression. It works by altering the activity of specific neurons within a target brain region, which are interconnected in complex circuits to control mood, thinking and anxiety. TMS can provide relief to patients suffering from resistant depression as well as other mental health disorders; it complements psychotherapy and medication treatments and produces less cognitive side effects than electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). However, not everyone responds favorably – patients should inform their treatment team immediately if symptoms worsen in spite of TMS therapy treatment.
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is an advanced technology that uses electromagnetic fields to modulate certain neurotransmitters in the brain, offering noninvasive, nonpharmacological treatment for depression and other conditions. Magnetic pulses delivered to the scalp stimulate nerve cells which change how they function in turn improving mood and thinking as well as treating other conditions like PTSD and OCD.
TMS therapy was found to be just as effective as electroconvulsive therapy in treating severe depression; however, its side effects were much fewer and it was more comfortable for participants than its counterpart. Furthermore, TMS can also be used for people who do not respond to antidepressant drugs and can improve sleep quality and decrease symptoms of anxiety.
Accelerated TMS is an emerging application of TMS that seeks to reduce treatment duration and increase response rates. While evidence supporting this approach remains preliminary, a number of clinical trials suggest it can be just as efficacious and safe as traditional protocols; these studies did not include biological readouts such as EEG or fMRI that would enable prediction of response with accelerated TMS.
Future research should aim at creating more efficacious and user-friendly TMS protocols, including the optimal number of daily sessions and how best to integrate TMS into psychotherapy, in order to increase its efficacy and accessibility. Furthermore, biomarkers of depression that could indicate whether TMS could be an appropriate treatment are essential.
