Everything about Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy!

When other treatments for depression don’t work, physicians prescribe TMS therapy. We understand you might have many questions about Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. So here, we have compiled several questions that patients commonly ask us. Whether you are currently receiving TMS therapy or are a prospective patient, we hope you find this article helpful.

What is TMS, and how does it help depression?

TMS is a treatment for depression that works by stimulating the brain cells directly. It is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses a treatment coil placed over the patient's head to pass brief magnetic pulses to a specific area in the brain. When these pulses are admitted in rapid succession, it is referred to as rTMS.

rTMS has been shown to create changes in neuronal activity in regions of the brain connected with mood regulations such as the prefrontal cortex. As each magnetic field passes through the skull and into the brain, it induces the brief activity of the cells under the coil. The frequency of pulse delivered also influences whether the brain activity is decreased or increased by the session.

When is TMS Australia used?

Psychotherapy and antidepressant medications are the first lines of treatment for major depression. However, these treatments do not work for every individual. In that case, TMS may be used as an alternative treatment to achieve adequate relief. Moreover, patients who are unable to tolerate medication can also consider TMS therapy.

Is TMS therapy like ECT?

No, ECT and TMS are very different treatments. ECT, also known as shock therapy, causes seizures intentionally. So patients receiving this treatment must be sedated with general anaesthesia. The recovery from this treatment session occurs slowly, and patients are usually monitored closely for a few hours after therapy. In contrast, TMS does not induce seizures and does not require anaesthesia, muscle relaxants, or sedation. Patients can continue daily activities immediately after the TMS session. There is no recovery time, so they can drive back home afterward and return to their normal activities.

What happens during the TMS procedure?

rTMS uses magnetic pulses. Before starting the treatment, patients are advised to remove any magnetic sensitive objects such as credit cards and jewellery. Patients are also asked to wear earplugs during the treatment for hearing protection and comfort as rTMS produces loud clicking sounds with each pulse.

Patients are comfortably seated during each session. During the first rTMS session, some measurements are taken to ensure the coil is placed appropriately over the patient's head. Once it is done, the TMS coil is suspended over the individuals' scalp. The experts then measure the patient’s motor threshold by administering brief pulses. Measuring this helps then personalise the treatment session and manage the amount of energy needed to stimulate brain cells. Once the motor threshold is fixed, the coil is then moved forward to sit above the front region of the patient's brain. Treatment then commences. During the treatment, patients will hear series of clicking sounds and feel a tapping sensation under the treatment coil. The motor threshold isn't checked at every session but might be reassessed if there is a concern it might have changed.

The author is an avid blogger. With a highly dedicated and experienced team, he delivers specialised transcranial magnetic stimulation to all his patients. If you are looking for more details like, rTMS treatment cost, visit http://sydneytms.com.au/.

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