Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation or TMS is an effective non-invasive sure for depression in adults. In this treatment, the brain’s magnetic stimulation is utilized in modulating mood. This procedure has been approved and Food and Drug Administration after ten long years of investigating patients who did not achieve satisfying improvement and escape from depression from one medication course or pharmacotherapy. TMS is therefore highly significant for individuals who are not experiencing the needed relief from medications or having difficulty dealing with harsh side effects of antidepressants.
How Does TMS or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Works?
TMS utilizes magnetic impulses in stimulating the brain in the region of pre-frontal cortex. This is the exact region in the brain that is associated with emotion or mood regulation. During this treatment, a knowledgeable clinician places magnetic wire coil gently on one side of the patient’s scalp. The magnetic coil is usually plastic-encased. The electric wire will then link the coil to a particular box that contains more than one larger capacitor. A capacitor is a devise that are utilized when holding electric charge. This is charged by a reliable power source wherein electricity is being discharged from coil when capacitor is triggered.
The coil that is positioned in the head above left portion of prefrontal cortex generates magnetic impulses. The magnetic fields approximately penetrate 2 to 3 centimeters in the coil direct to the brain. This aid in producing electrical currents that will then be activating the cells in the brain that are believed to be responsible in releasing neurotransmitters that plays an essential role when it comes to mood regulation. Since depression is said to be the result of brain chemicals imbalance, TMS or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therefore helps in restoring balanced and relieving depression symptoms.
Are There Risks and Side Effects?
About 10,000 treatments or more are cited and these are all safely performed in clinics. Many patients have reported no harsh side effects unlike antidepressants that cause drowsiness, dry mouth and weight gain. TMS causes no cognitive effects and seizures. The most common effect is probably the discomfort in the scalp during the TMS procedure. However, there are some essential things that need to be considered when facilitating this procedure to avoid serious risks. This should not be done to individuals with metallic devices implanted in the skull. Special precautions are also necessary for patients with pacemakers and implantable defibrillators.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Advantages
One of the advantages of TMS is that it does not require sedation or anesthesia. The procedure usually lasts for an hour while patents are awake, comfortable and alert. You are also not restricted when it comes to work and activities prior to the treatment. And, since no medications are being administered, individuals are free from side effects be it cognitive or systemic effects. Individuals who have subjected themselves under this procedure can instantly return to their usual routines after. Individuals who are finding it really hard to cope with depression can rely on this procedure. This is one of the most effective treatments for depression that most patients are engaged in.