The magnetic pulses used in TMS pass painlessly through the skull and stimulate brain cells that can improve communication between different parts of the brain. It is not known exactly how TMS works, but the stimulation appears to have a lasting effect on how the brain functions, which can alleviate symptoms of depression and boost your mood.
In which diseases can TMS be used?
To date, transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy has only been approved in the USA for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Although depression is a treatable condition, TMS is typically used when standard treatments such as therapy, medication and self-help techniques are ineffective or, in the case of medication, when side effects are too severe. In many European countries, however, TMS is approved for many other common conditions, including
Anxiety disorders such as OCD
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Stroke rehabilitation
Schizophrenia
Parkinson's disease
Alzheimer's disease
Chronic pain
Nicotine addiction
How does TMS treatment work?
Repetitive TMS is usually done in a doctor's office or clinic. It requires a series of treatment sessions to be effective. Usually the sessions are done daily, five times a week for four to six weeks.
Before treatment begins, your doctor will need to identify the best place to put the magnets on your head and the best dose of magnetic energy for you. Your first appointment typically takes about 60 minutes.
You will be taken to a treatment room, asked to sit in a reclining chair and given headphones to wear during the procedure.
An electromagnetic coil will be placed on your head and repeatedly switched off and on to produce stimulating pulses. This results in a tapping or clicking sound, usually lasting several seconds, followed by a pause. You will also feel a tapping sensation on your forehead. This part of the process is called mapping.
Your doctor will determine the amount of magnetic energy required by increasing the magnetic dose until your fingers or hands twitch. This, known as your motor threshold, is used as a reference point in determining the right dose for you. During treatment, the amount of stimulation may be changed depending on your symptoms and side effects.
