Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Therapies Of Tomorrow, Today

It seems as though since COVID-19, mental health has undergone a revolution. May is Mental Health Awareness month, and among the breakthroughs in therapy is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). TMS is a non-invasive, drug-free therapy that offers solutions to individuals who have yet to find relief through traditional treatments.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a stimulation therapy that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in specific regions of the brain. It’s most commonly used to treat depression that hasn’t responded well to medication or psychotherapy.

My experience

I had the extreme pleasure of trialing three sessions while I was recently in Dubai, UAE. I was unfamiliar with the extent of the process and quickly learned how the treatment could be beneficial in different applications. While I am not depressed, I did encounter more mental clarity and an overall “brightness” feeling after leaving each visit.

Each session involves sitting in a chair while a device is placed against your scalp. This device sends magnetic pulses into targeted parts of the brain, typically the left prefrontal cortex, which is associated with mood regulation. These pulses activate underactive neurons, helping to “reset” brain activity and improve symptoms of depression.

The idea behind TMS is grounded in neuroscience. When neurons in the brain are underactive, as often seen in depression, communication between different areas of the brain becomes disrupted. The magnetic pulses used in TMS create tiny electrical currents that help stimulate these neurons, improving brain connectivity and function. Nerves that fire together, wire together!

A full course of TMS typically involves five sessions per week for four to six weeks, each lasting around 20 to 40 minutes. Because it does not require anesthesia and doesn’t involve surgery or systemic medication, TMS is considered a safe and well-tolerated option.

Some studies suggest that TMS may enhance working memory, attention, and processing speed, making it a promising tool for cognitive rehabilitation in various neurological disorders.

The most common side effect is mild to moderate scalp discomfort or headache during or after treatment, which typically resolves after a few sessions. Serious side effects are rare.

Can you do it?

Beyond depression, research is exploring the use of TMS in treating anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, chronic pain, and even stroke rehabilitation. As our understanding of the brain deepens, the potential uses for TMS continue to grow. However, it is not yet known or FDA-cleared for use on spinal cord injuries.

TMS therapy is approved by the FDA for major depression and OCD, and it’s even covered by many insurance plans for these conditions. Before starting TMS, you’ll undergo a thorough assessment to determine if it’s appropriate based on your medical history, current symptoms, and other factors.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is reshaping how we approach mental health treatment, offering new pathways to healing. It reflects a broader trend in medicine: personalized, targeted interventions that work with the brain’s natural processes, rather than against them.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression that hasn’t responded to traditional therapies, TMS might be worth exploring. Sometimes, the answer isn’t trying harder, but trying differently.

Best in Health,

Aaron