Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is one of the newest types of brain stimulation methods used for treating depression. Although still an experimental therapy, TMS shows great promise for those who have not responded to other methods of treatment, such as antidepressant drugs and psychotherapy.
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a safe outpatient procedure that makes use of a strong magnetic field to stimulate activity in the brain, somewhat similar to the magnetic current used in an MRI scan. During the procedure, a large electromagnetic coil is placed against the scalp, near the forehead. This creates electrical currents that stimulate the nerve cells in the frontal lobe, an area of the brain involved in mood regulation. TMS can be used to both increase and suppress activity in this region of the brain.
In the US, transcranial magnetic stimulation is conducted using a device called the NeuroStar TMS Therapy® system, which is the only such device that has been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration.
TMS vs. Other Brain Stimulation Techniques
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is the least invasive of all the brain stimulation techniques. Unlike vagus nerve stimulation and deep brain stimulation, TMS does not require any device to be surgically implanted into the body.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is similar to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in that both work to treat depression by stimulating the brain. The key differences between ECT and TMS are:
- ECT utilizes electrical currents, while TMS utilizes magnetic waves.
- ECT requires that the patient be sedated prior to treatment. The patient is fully conscious during TMS.
- ECT can negatively affect concentration and memory, while TMS does not.
- TMS has fewer side effects than ECT.
What to Expect From Treatment with TMS
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is an outpatient procedure, which means hospitalization is unnecessary. The medical professional carrying out the procedure places an electromagnetic coil against your head. When the device is on, you feel a light tapping against your scalp. You also hear a loud clicking sound, so you may choose to wear earplugs.
You’re awake and fully alert throughout the session, which lasts for 20 to 40 minutes. In order to receive the maximum benefit from your transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment, you probably need a treatment every day for four to six weeks. You may experience some mild side effects from your TMS treatment, such as:
- Facial muscle spasms
- Headaches
- Lightheadedness
- Slight pain on your scalp at the point of stimulation.
TMS appears to hold great promise for those suffering from treatment-resistant depression, and will likely be the first of a new wave of enhanced brain stimulation techniques.
Resources
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2009). Transcranial magnetic stimulation: What you can expect. Retrieved May 20, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/MY00185/DSECTION=what-you-can-expect.
Nemade, R., Staats Reiss, N., & Dombeck, M. (2007). Major depression and other unipolar depressions. Depression: Major depression & unipolar varieties. Retrieved May 5, 2010, from the MentalHealth.net website: www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=438&cn=5.
Neuronetics, Inc. (n.d.) The NeuroStar TMS Therapy® system. Retrieved May 20, 2010, from the Neuronetics website: www.neuronetics.com/prod-system.aspx.