Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), or magnetic brain stimulation, is one of the newest methods of treatment for depression. Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy is a medical procedure that uses a magnetic field to stimulate nerves in the brain.
TMS can be especially useful to patients with very severe depression or those who haven’t had success with other methods of treatment for depression.
How Does TMS Work?
During TMS therapy, a pulsed magnetic field targets a specific area of the brain, the left prefrontal cortex. This part of the brain helps regulate mood. The left prefrontal cortex is thought to function abnormally in people with clinical depression.
TMS encourages the flow of electricity in the brain. The patient cannot feel this very small electrical current, which stimulates the release of three specific neurotransmitters in the brain: serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy Procedure
During transcranial magnetic stimulation, the technician places a magnetic coil directly on the patient’s forehead. The procedure is non-invasive: nothing needs to be implanted in the brain or injected into the skin. In addition, TMS is not painful–the patient can’t feel the electrical impulses generated by the magnetic brain stimulation.
One outpatient transcranial magnetic therapy session takes about 40 minutes. TMS therapy generally lasts four to six weeks, with one session per day.
Transcranial Magnetic Therapy as Treatment for Depression
Transcranial magnetic therapy has been shown to be an effective, safe method of treatment for depression. At the end of six weeks, approximate one-third of patients in a clinical trial experienced complete relief of their symptoms, while approximately half of the patients experienced significant symptom relief.
Less than 5 percent of patients in a clinical research study by Neuronetics chose to discontinue treatment due to adverse side effects. These participants usually reported the following:
- Discomfort from the noise made during treatment
- Headaches
- Lightheadedness
- Scalp discomfort at the stimulation site
- Tingling or spasms of facial muscles.
In rare cases, magnetic brain stimulation may cause more serious side effects, including:
- Hearing problems
- Mania
- Seizures.
Patients who have non-removable metallic implants in their head should not undergo magnetic brain stimulation. TMS is also not recommended for patients with devices such as pacemakers and vagus nerve stimulators.
Finding a TMS Therapy Provider
Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy is not yet widely available throughout the United States. If you’re interested in finding a transcranial magnetic stimulation provider, or just getting more information, talk to your doctor. You can also visit the Neuronetics website to find local providers of NeuroStar TMS Therapy®.
Resources
Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Transcranial magnetic stimulation. Retrieved May 19, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/MY00185.
Neuronetics Staff. (2010). Efficacy and safety. Retrieved May 19, 2010, from the Neuronetics website: neuronetics.com/Prod-Efficacy.aspx.
Neuronetics Staff. (2010). How TMS therapy works. Retrieved May 19, 2010, from the Neuronetics website: neuronetics.com/Prod-How.aspx.
Neuronetics Staff. (2010). NeuroStar TMS therapy® clinical trial results. Retrieved May 19, 2010, from the Neuronetics website: neuronetics.com/Research-Clinical.aspx.
Neuronetics Staff. (2010). The NeuroStar TMS therapy® system. Retrieved May 19, 2010, from the Neuronetics website: neuronetics.com/Prod-System.aspx.