What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ( TMS / rTMS )?

Medical Treatment

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS / TMS)* is a non-invasive, non-surgical method to excite neurons in the brain. The excitation is caused by weak electric currents induced in the tissue by rapidly changing electro-magnetic fields (through electromagnetic induction). Brain activity is triggered and modulated without the need for surgery or external electrodes. rTMS / TMS is a powerful tool in research and diagnosis for mapping how the brain functions, and has been shown in published studies to have promise for non-invasive, non-surgical treatment of a large number of disorders, including autism, depression, anxiety and other mental disorders with or without use of medication.

Current is passed from machine through wire to the main coil, where an electromagnetic field is then induced with direction perpendicular to that of the flat surface of the coil. The coil is placed against specific areas above the patient's head corresponding to brain regions underneath the skull. The electromagnetic field resulting from the current in the coil penetrates the skull and stimulates brain areas underneath, exciting neurons at predetermined frequencies. rTMS / TMS has several effects, stimulating brain structures according to coil placement, changing neuron firing rates, and adjusting blood-flow in the brain.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Side Effects

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS / TMS) is a very safe technology. Since the brain is stimulated directly, there is a risk of seizure, though with close monitoring, this event is very rare. No seizures have been reported in the literature since safety guidelines were implemented in 1996. Commonly reported side effects include either a mild headache or feelings of euphoria. These side effects only occur in a small percentage of patients, and if present, usually only occur in early sessions. Some scalp discomfort may occur at the site of stimulation. Unlike the very real and dangerous possible side effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and medication, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS / TMS) remains very safe.

Treatment Therapy for Autism, Anxiety, Bipolar, Schizophrenia and Other Disorders

At the Brain Treatment Center, we strive to use rTMS / TMS to treat a large number of mental disorders. Following our protocol, we monitor brain activity throughout a treatment cycle, using quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) to show possible changes in the brain's electrophysiology.

Research Has Shown (See Research For Papers)

Despite being a new technology, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS / TMS) has been relatively well-researched and has shown great potential in disorders where conventional treatments show limited promise, such as autism, depression, and anxiety. This has been shown as well in papers exploring use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS / TMS) to further improve the conditions of those suffering from other disorders such as Parkinson's or schizophrenia. In a recent case, rTMS was demonstrated to show improvement in a woman with autism primarily in the domain of social relating and interpersonal understanding- a self-report that was also corroborated by family members: see link here. Transcranial magnetic stimulation holds great potential for a wide range of psychiatric and information processing disorders.