Transcranial magnetic stimulation
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (pronunciation: trans-kra-nee-al mag-net-ic stim-yuh-ley-shun), often abbreviated as TMS, is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. TMS is typically used when other depression treatments haven't been effective.
Etymology
The term "Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation" is derived from the Latin words "trans" meaning "across", "cranial" referring to the "skull", and the English words "magnetic" and "stimulation".
Procedure
The procedure involves delivering a series of magnetic pulses to the brain. These pulses are generated by a device held against the scalp. The magnetic pulses pass through the skull and stimulate the underlying brain tissue.
Uses
TMS is primarily used as a treatment for depression. However, it is also being studied as a potential treatment for a variety of other conditions, including schizophrenia, OCD, PTSD, and stroke rehabilitation.
Side Effects
Common side effects of TMS include headache, scalp discomfort at the treatment site, lightheadedness and tingling or twitching of facial muscles. Serious side effects are rare.
Related Terms
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
- rTMS
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Transcranial magnetic stimulation
- Wikipedia's article - Transcranial magnetic stimulation
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