Transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS is a specialized treatment which is used to improve depression by using magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain.
TMS is the last resort of treating depression and is usually advised after all other treatments have failed to work.
TMS treatment involves placing a large electromagnetic coil against patient's scalp near the forehead.
The electromagnet coil generates electric currents which stimulate the nerve cells adjoining in the region of the brain that controls our mood.
This electric stimulation alters the way the part of the brain is working and this in turn eases the depression symptoms.
In the initial stages, depression can be treated in its initial stage and be cured, but lack of surveillance or delay can result in acute psychological problem and the standard treatments will then cease to be effective.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation, unlike deep brain stimulation or vagus nerve stimulation, does not require implantation of electrodes or any kind of surgery.
In contrast to the electroconvulsive therapy, Transcranial magnetic stimulation does not need seizures or sedation with anesthesia.
Transcranial The treatment is usually carried out on an outpatient basis at a doctor's clinic.
The patients need to undergo a series of treatment sessions for effective results.
Usually, the TMS sessions are conducted five times a week and continue till four to six weeks.
There are certain short-term side effects of Transcranial magnetic stimulation.
These side effects are mild and gradually improve within first couple of weeks of the treatment.
Some of the most common ones are discussed below - • Discomfort at the scalp (site of stimulation) • Headache • Spasms or tingling of facial muscles • Lightheadedness Apart from these, there are certain uncommon side effects of the TMS treatment as well which are actually rare.
These include- • Seizures • Mania in patients who have bipolar disorder • Hearing loss, in case there are inadequate protection given to ears during the treatment Before the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation procedure starts off, the patient might need a small medical check-up.
Certain health conditions do not allow the doctors to conduct the TMS treatment and below mentioned are some of the things which the patients should make the doctor aware of.
TMS is not safe if- • The patient is pregnant or thinking of conceiving.
• The patient has any medical devices implanted in his/her body.
• The patient is under any herbal supplements, over-the-counter medications or vitamin dosages.
Inform the doctors about the dosages and how often you take them.
Apart from these, patients also need to inform the doctor about the history of mania or seizures (if any).
The doctor should also be informed about any past surgeries or injuries as well as about other health problems.
The TMS therapy requires a little preparation but since it is not invasive or require anesthesia, it can be performed in a doctor's office.
The doctor will identify the best place to put the magnets on the patients' head and then decide on the intensity of the magnetic energy as per the need.
The treatment session lasts about forty minutes and the patient will be awake and alert during the session.
The treatment might discomfort the patient during the session and even after it gets over, but this restlessness is a temporary after-effect.
The patients can return to his/her daily activities after the session is over; even, he/she will not require anyone's assistance to drive back home.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a relatively new treatment.
Eminent psychologist and neurologists are conducting researches to find out the effectiveness of the treatment as well as find out whether the process poses any chance of causing long-term side effects.