What is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)?

by | Jul 13, 2023 | TMS

Medical science is a boon for human beings as it comes with various treatments for severe diseases. 

In general, there are many terms in medical science that not everyone is aware of. In this article, we will discuss what Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is, when to choose it, what the advantages associated with it, and the side effects of TMS therapy. So let’s begin now.

1. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy

Transcranial magnetic stimulation falls under the type of brain stimulation therapy. TMS therapy consists of using electromagnetic pulses to stimulate the nerve cells.

TMS therapy is useful in mental or neurological disorders. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is proven helpful in treating depression when antidepressants or psychotherapy don’t show desirable results.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is also known as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) due to the use of repetitive electrical impulses. 

TMS therapy targets the activity of the patient’s nerve cells to lower the symptoms of depression.

Depending on the medical coverage and medical history, one can have TMS therapy treatment in medical coverage. The cost of TMS therapy is different in every country. 

TMS therapy is a non-invasive procedure. The need for Transcranial magnetic stimulation occurs when antidepressants aren’t effective.

In general, one session of TMS therapy usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.

2. Benefits of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Although researchers are still examining the best outcomes of Transcranial magnetic stimulation, there are several possible advantages of TMS therapy. TMS therapy is used to treat depression, anxiety, stroke rehabilitation, obsessive compulsion disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic pain, nicotine addiction, multiple sclerosis, etc.

It will be exciting to see in the future the other major advantages that are associated with Transcranial magnetic stimulation.

3. When to Opt for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

So the question arises when Transcranial magnetic stimulation is beneficial.

Well, before going through TMS therapy, your doctor can recommend antidepressant medicines or psychotherapy for depression.

However, one can opt for TMS therapy if they are young or a teenager, and antidepressant medicines don’t show the results. Since younger people are more prone to developing adverse side effects from antidepressants, thus TMS therapy can be an ideal choice for younger people.

One can also consider TMS therapy in cases when results are not shown after using one or more antidepressant medicines or facing negative side effects while taking antidepressant medicines.

4. Side Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

The side effects of Transcranial magnetic stimulation are lesser in number or are uncommon, but in certain conditions, there occur complications due to TMS therapy. 

Such complications include neck pain, insomnia, scalp pain, lightheadedness, facial twitching, headaches, etc.

Headaches and lightheadedness reduce after several treatments of TMS therapy.

There are rare chances of having seizures as a side effect due to TMS therapy, but according to the facts and research, there is a 0.1% possibility of developing seizures during the process of TMS therapy.

5. When to Avoid Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

Although TMS therapy is a safe procedure, you must avoid the TMS therapy treatment in certain conditions as this treatment does not apply to everyone.

If you have metal in your head, like electrodes, metal plates, facial tattoos with metallic ink, coils, brain stents, and permanent piercings, then you should avoid TMS therapy, as TMS treatment can lead to severe injuries in such cases.

In the case of dental fillings or braces, one can opt for the treatment. One should also avoid TMS therapy if they are taking stimulants, have a history of seizures, or have a medical condition that can cause the risk. 

It is always advisable to consult your doctors and experts first before going through the Transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment.

Now you are aware of Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), to know complete information about Magnetic e-resonance therapy (MeRT), please check our latest blog at  https://brainperformancetechnologies.com/what_is_mert/

To know the difference between MeRT and TMS, check out our blog- https://brainperformancetechnologies.com/what-is-the-difference-between-mert-and-tms/

For more such articles, stay tuned with us!

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