Learn More About Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Treatments!

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that utilizes magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It’s primarily used to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and other mental health disorders when traditional treatments like medication and therapy haven’t been effective. Unlike medications and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), TMS does not require anesthesia and is typically well tolerated, with headache being the most frequent side effect.

Does This Treatment Option Work?

Around 50% to 60% of individuals with depression, who haven’t found relief with medications, witness a significant response to TMS therapy. Among them, approximately one-third achieve complete remission, indicating the disappearance of symptoms. It’s crucial to note that these outcomes, though promising, aren’t enduring. Similar to other treatments for mood disorders, there’s a notable recurrence rate. Nevertheless, most TMS recipients experience lasting improvement for several months post-treatment, with the average duration of response extending slightly over a year. Some may choose to undergo additional rounds of therapy.

What Goes on During Treatment?

TMS therapy is an intensive treatment regimen requiring sessions held five days a week over several weeks. Depending on the specific protocol utilized (“Dash” or “Theta Burst”), sessions can last between 3-18.75 minutes. Using a reference point in the brain known as the motor cortex, the technician determines the optimal stimulation intensity and anatomical target. This initial targeting enables the team to pinpoint the precise location for placing the coil and adjusting its intensity to achieve effective stimulation. These calculations guide the positioning of the coil towards the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a brain region with robust clinical evidence for effectiveness in treating depression. While a single session may alter brain excitability, noticeable relief typically happens around the third to fourth week of treatment.

What Else Can TMS Help With?

Aside from depression, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy has shown promise in treating various other conditions and symptoms, including:

• Anxiety Disorders: generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Chronic Pain: fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and migraine headaches
• Cognitive Enhancement: Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and age-related cognitive decline
• Substance Use Disorders: nicotine addiction and alcohol dependence
• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Schizophrenia
• Tinnitus

While the evidence for these applications may vary in terms of strength and consistency, ongoing research continues to investigate the potential therapeutic benefits of TMS across a range of neurological and psychiatric conditions.

References

Adam P. Stern, MD. “Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Hope for Stubborn Depression.” Harvard Health, 2024 Harvard Health Publishing, 27 Oct. 2020, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-for-depression-2018022313335. Accessed 08 Mar. 2024.