What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive neurostimulation therapy. It uses changing magnetic fields to stimulate the brain’s nerve cells.
Different regions of the brain can be targeted by holding a specially designed coil over the patient’s scalp. The coil applies a magnetic field which passes small electromagnetic pulses to activate the particular brain region. Through this activation, neurons (or nerve cells) start to communicate again and form new connections, as well as strengthen already established pathways.
In the case of depression, the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is targeted to normalise the function of pathways responsible for mood regulation.
At Modalis, we utilise the process of Neural Navigation to ensure focus on and stimulation of the correct area of the brain. (See more below)
TMS therapy usually involves several repetitive sessions; this is referred to as repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). Patients will typically attend 35 sessions (20-30 minutes each). rTMS has been studied extensively since 1985 and represents the most active area of neurostimulation techniques in psychiatry, pain management and rehabilitation medicine. There is a wealth of medical research on the advances and efficacies of this form of treatment, that continues to grow.
TMS has been shown to improve symptoms of depression, other psychiatric conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and various forms of pain, even when more traditional treatments like antidepressant drugs have failed.
TMS treatment has been also used in a range of other medical conditions, including medical rehabilitation (i.e. post stroke), neurology and ENT (such as tinnitus).
What is Neural Navigation?
Neural Navigation is a process for specifically determining the target site during coil placement in TMS.
In Neural Navigation, a patient’s individual MRI image allows the TMS Clinician to position the coil precisely over a specified target location. The coil’s correct positioning is one of the most critical elements of a successful treatment.
Neural Navigation allows MRI, 3D-guided TMS coil placement for each patient with millimeter accuracy. Neural Navigation even takes into consideration the specific anatomical details of their individual brain structure and external navigation points.
Is TMS the right path for me?
If you suffer from depression, OCD, or PTSD and have not seen a significant improvement after using traditional antidepressants, or you have not responded to other forms of pain management techniques and rehabilitation, TMS Therapy may be an excellent solution. Speak with your medical practitioner about your suitability and find more answers to the questions you may have about TMS Therapy here.
Did you know? TMS Therapy has recently been added to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) for eligible patients diagnosed with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.
