What is TMS?

What is TMS?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), known as TMS for its English acronym (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), involves the activation or inhibition of specific areas of the brain by inducing an electromagnetic field that excites the nerve cells in the cerebral cortex.

This treatment has been approved for therapeutic use in depression in countries such as the United States, Canada (Medical Devices Bureau of the Canadian Health Ministry), Israel, Australia, New Zealand, and the European Economic Community.

In 2008, the use of TMS was approved by the FDA (Federal Drug Administration), following rigorous research by the NIH (National Institutes of Health of the United States), as a safe treatment for Treatment-Resistant Depression.

Currently, there are clinics dedicated to treating depression using this innovative and harmless method.”

 

Where TMS Originates From

In 1985, English scientist Dr. Anthony Barker conducted research in which he first stimulated the cerebral cortex using an externally applied magnetic stimulator through the skull.

This procedure led to the emergence of a novel treatment technique for neuropsychiatric disorders.”

TMS has demonstrated its effectiveness for individuals experiencing

  • DEPRESSION: First choice for all types of depression, treatment-resistant depression to antidepressant drugs, bipolar depression, postpartum depression, and breastfeeding mothers.
  • STROKE OR 'CEREBRAL HEMORRHAGE': Promotes and facilitates the rehabilitation of physical sequelae regardless of the time elapsed since the stroke.
  • TINNITUS: is the sensation of hearing a sound or noise that cannot be attributed to a specific internal or external source. The patient hears a sound, ringing, buzzing, but there is no reason for it, only the patient hears it; thus, Tinnitus is considered a 'phantom auditory perception.' There is no other treatment for this problem, except Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.
  • MIGRAINE: especially in Migraines with Aura or when the patient 'knows' that they are going to experience an episode of pain.
  • FIBROMYALGIA: Chronic and widespread pain in joints and muscles, associated with chronic insomnia, general discomfort, apathy, and depression.
  • CHRONIC PAIN OF ANY ORIGIN OR NEUROPATHIC: very useful in patients refractory to conventional treatments, as an adjunct to other therapies.
  • OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER: known as OCD, a very common psychiatric illness in which the patient experiences obsessive thoughts and compulsive acts, especially useful in cases that do not respond to conventional treatment.

Advantages of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation or TMS

  • There are no significant side effects.
  • It is an outpatient procedure that does not require hospitalization.
  • The patient always remains awake, alert, and in total control.
  • The patient can talk, listen to music, or relax and sleep.
  • It is non-invasive, highly effective, and safe.
  • It does not require the patient to receive anesthesia.
  • Improvement in the patient is very rapid. In the case of depression, improvement is seen approximately by the seventh day.

Side Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation or TMS

The most common adverse effect (10%-15%) is mild headache, which responds to an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Who Cannot Receive the Treatment?

  • Epileptic patients.
  • Patients with pacemakers