Explained | What is transcranial magnetic stimulation?

Source: The post is based on the article “Explained | What is transcranial magnetic stimulation?” published in The Hindu on 17th June 2023

What is the News?

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) has shown promise in reversing brain changes and providing rapid relief to severely depressed patients who have not responded to standard treatment.

What is Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)?

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) therapy is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses electromagnetic fields to generate electrical impulses in specific regions of the brain that are known to modulate moods. 

How rTMS work?

rTMS is based on the phenomenon of electromagnetic mutual induction, first reported by Michael Faraday in 1831. 

In 1985, Anthony Barker and his colleagues developed the first modern TMS device.

rTMS works by generating electromagnetic pulses through a coil placed on the scalp, which modulates the cortical activity of the brain.

The mechanism of action for rTMS involves increasing neuronal activity and changing the strength of connections between different brain areas. The electromagnetic pulses create electrical currents in the brain tissue and affect the membrane potential of brain cells.

What are the applications of rTMS technique?

Studies have indicated that rTMS may alleviate depression by reversing abnormal signalling patterns between brain regions. It has also been found effective in reducing symptoms of various neuropsychiatric disorders.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved rTMS as a treatment for clinical depression in 2008.

rTMS has also been investigated as a potential treatment for refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).