Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It was originally developed to treat major depressive disorder in patients who did not respond to traditional treatments. TMS has received FDA approval for this indication. In addition, TMS is approved for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and is being rigorously investigated for its potential benefits in a group of neurological and psychiatric conditions, including anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, chronic pain, headache, various neurodegenerative diseases, etc.
The procedure involves placing a magnetic coil on the patient's scalp, which creates a magnetic field that induces electrical currents in specific areas of the brain. This targeted stimulation modulates neuronal activity, either enhancing or inhibiting neural circuits as a result of this, depending on the parameters of the stimulation. TMS sessions are usually conducted daily or weekly depending on the treatment protocol and the disease, over a period of four to six weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30-40 minutes. TMS does not require anesthesia and no significant side effects are reported, making it a well-tolerated and accessible treatment option for many patients. Ongoing research aims to optimize TMS protocols and explore new applications, promising to expand its therapeutic potential for various neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and rehabilitation after stroke.
At our private practice, we are committed to exploring innovative treatments that may benefit our patients. While Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is FDA approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), it is also being actively researched, as already mentioned, for many other neurological indications such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease etc.
At our center we ensure that our patients are fully informed and updated about the current state of TMS research. We explain that while TMS is FDA approved for certain conditions, its use for other neurological disorders is considered Off Label at present and based on emerging research findings.
Before starting treatment, we provide detailed information about the potential benefits and risks associated with off-label TMS use. We require patients to sign an informed consent form acknowledging that they understand these aspects.
We discuss in detail the scientific basis for using TMS for their particular condition, informing them of the latest research studies and clinical trials that highlight its potential effectiveness and safety. This helps patients make an informed decision about their treatment options.
We emphasize that each treatment plan is tailored to the individual needs of the patient and we closely monitor their progress. We explain that ongoing assessments will guide adjustments in their treatment to optimize outcomes.
We encourage patients to ask questions and actively express any concerns they may have about TMS treatment. Our team is dedicated to providing clear, comprehensive answers and ongoing support throughout the therapeutic journey.