Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a treatment that can give patients new hope.
An estimated 35% of patients suffer with Major Depressive Disorder, and do not adequately benefit from available treatment options.
TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to relieve symptoms of depression. It is typically used when other depression treatments haven’t been effective.
Trancranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) creates a magnetic field which passes through the skull and into the outer layer of the brain (the “grey matter”). The magnetic field makes the brain cells more active and strengthens the connections between them—similar to how exercise makes muscles stronger.
This procedure “exercises” the region of the brain known as the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, or l-DLPFC. The DLPFC is part of a brain network whose job is to help the conscious, thinking part of the brain. Opposed to the depressed feelings coming from deeper within the brain. As the DLPFC becomes stronger, depression is reduced. This strengthening persists even after the machine is turned off.
Treatment lasts between 15 and 37 minutes. The patient settles into a reclining chair, and can watch television or chat during their treatment. Patients may drive and return to normal activities immediately after treatment.
TMS therapy has helped depression sufferers around the world rediscover the color of life.”
– Magstim
www.magstim.com