The origins of TMS can be traced back to the late 18th century when Italian physicist Giovanni Aldini experimented with electrical stimulation of the brain. However, it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that the concept began to take shape with the work of Michael Faraday and Joseph Callahan, who laid the groundwork for magnetic stimulation of the brain. Fast forward to the 1980s, and the field of TMS research gained momentum. Pioneering work by Anthony Barker, a British neurophysiologist, led to the development of the first functional TMS device. This device marked a significant step forward in our understanding of how magnetic fields could influence brain activity.
In 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted its approval for TMS as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) that did not respond to traditional antidepressant medications. This marked a turning point in the field of mental health care. TMS works by delivering magnetic pulses to specific regions of the brain, targeting areas associated with mood regulation. These pulses stimulate neural activity, promoting the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which play a crucial role in mood regulation. The procedure is painless, non-invasive, and typically well-tolerated by patients.
Since its FDA approval, TMS has continued to evolve. Researchers have refined treatment protocols, explored its potential for other mental health conditions like anxiety and bipolar disorder, and developed newer, more advanced TMS devices. These advancements have made TMS an even more potent tool in the battle against depression and other mental health concerns.
The Center For Focused Care has been treating patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) with TMS for over 5 years now. We were the first clinic in Erie to offer this treatment modality and our providers continue to attend numerous TMS trainings throughout the country. We are highly specialized in this advanced treatment option and consistently strive to provide the highest level of evidence-based medical care to each and every one of our patients.
TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and is a non-invasive treatment option for patients battling with major depressive disorder (MDD). TMS can be used even when other treatment methods have failed.
The treatment uses a magnetic pulse, generated by the flow of electricity within a coil on the device’s treatment arm, to activate and positively stimulate brain cells in the region of the brain that has been implicated in the development of depression.
The coil within the treatment arm of the device is first positioned on the left side of the patient’s scalp overlying the region of the brain known as the Dorsolateral Pre-frontal Cortex (L-DLPFC). Numerous studies have determined that this region of the brain is often underactive and dysfunctional in patients with MDD. Once in the proper position, electrical current is passed through the treatment coil in order to generate magnetic pulses. These pulses then traverse the cranium of the patient in order to “turn on” the previously dormant brain cells of the patient receiving treatment.
In the treatment of depression TMS causes brain cells, also known as neurons, to become more active over time and strengthen the connections that exist between them. In this way, over the period of TMS treatment the pulses act similarly to exercise when performed on a typical muscle. Pulses “exercise” the connections between neurons in the L-DLPFC and as these connections grow in strength and neurons become more active the patient’s receiving treatment experience reduced depression.
TMS treatment has shown varying levels of effectiveness in different settings and depending upon the patient population being treated. The most conservative estimates currently show that around two-thirds of patients will experience some form of decrease in their overall depressive symptoms and that an additional one third will experience clinical remission from the depression symptoms following the completion of treatment.
TMS typically feels different to each patient experiencing the treatment, and therefore there is no simple explanation for the sensation that you may feel. However, the most common description of the sensation of TMS is that of being tapped against the head. For some patients this tapping can be mild, whereas to others they are more apt to describe it as a persistent woodpecker.
When starting any type of TMS treatment here at the Center for Focused Care, we will do everything we can in order to ensure that your experience is as pleasant and enjoyable as possible. Adjustments can often be made to the intensity of treatment and angling of the treatment coil in order to reduce any immediate discomfort that you may experience.
The time period during which TMS will remain effective for a patient can vary significantly, depending upon the individual patient and the overall effectiveness of TMS therapy for their depression. Individuals who respond well to TMS often see decreases in their depressive symptoms for periods of 9 to 12 months following the completion of treatment.
At the Center For Focused Care we make a point to stay in contact with our patients throughout their treatment and afterwards in order to ensure that they believe that they are still deriving the maximum benefit from their treatment. When patients feel that the effects of their TMS may be beginning to wear off they are encouraged to contact our office and begin the process of scheduling another round of TMS re-treatment.
TMS therapy is administered in our office, while you are awake and alert. You will sit comfortably in a power adjustable dentist style chair, and be able to listen to music or even watch television during your treatment session. There is no need for sedation, or anesthesia to undergo this procedure. The treatment coil is placed upon your scalp in the region of the L-DLPFC, which will be determined during your initial cranial mapping session. Once the coil is properly aligned, the treatment session can begin. TMS technicians will be with you throughout the duration of your treatment, and will gladly address any further questions, concerns, or issues that you may have.
TMS therapy is an effective and non-invasive treatment option for patients battling major depressive disorder (MDD) and who have not been able to achieve satisfactory treatment results with medications or other treatment modalities.
TMS treatment may not be appropriate for patients who are or have:
Patients undergoing TMS therapy are advised to continue their medications as they were initially prescribed prior to starting treatment.
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