The first Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) device was introduced in 1985 by Anthony Barker.

More clinics are starting to accept TMS for treatment of depression and other health conditions.  There are currently several clinical studies showing possible benefits for “off label” conditions (not FDA cleared yet):

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) – In anxiety, there’s often increased nerve cell activity in the prefrontal cortex. TMS may reduce the activity in this region

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – TMS can target the prefrontal cortex, which regulates how you process fear and worry.

• Chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia – TMS may help by stimulating the motor cortex and controlling neurotransmitters involved in pain.

• Stroke – using TMS after a stroke could promote motor recovery. The idea is that the magnetic impulses can alter the activity of the motor cortex, the part of the brain that controls voluntary movement.

• Schizophrenia – A main symptom of the condition is auditory hallucinations. Targeting the temporoparietal cortex could be beneficial for auditory hallucinations. This part of the brain, which is involved in language, is typically overactive in schizophrenia.

• Parkinson’s disease – It causes motor dysfunction, including tremors, balance issues, and freezing of gait. TMS may improve freezing of gait.

• Alzheimer’s disease – TMS could help Alzheimer’s disease by altering the neural connections involved in memory and learning.

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) – TMS on the motor cortex of people with MS. The treatment, combined with physical therapy, was found to decrease spasticity.

*The use of TMS in any of these conditions is off label
(not FDA approved as of yet) and requires an individual evaluation.