Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

What is TMS?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses magnetic fields to generate electrical currents in the brain. TMS is used to evaluate and modulate brain activity and has been used to treat a variety of neurological disorders.

TMS uses an electromagnetic induction coil that is placed on the patient’s scalp. When a current pulse is applied to the coil, a magnetic field is generated that penetrates the brain and generates an electrical current in nearby neurons. The direction and intensity of the electrical current depend on the orientation and frequency of the magnetic field and can be adjusted to selectively modulate brain activity.

TMS is used in different modalities, including single-pulse TMS (sTMS), repetitive TMS (rTMS), and theta burst TMS (TBS). sTMS is mainly used to map brain activity and to assess cortical excitability. rTMS and TBS are used to modulate brain activity.

In terms of safety, TMS is generally safe and well-tolerated. The most common side effects are headache and discomfort at the stimulation site. However, seizures can occur in rare cases, so TMS should be performed by trained professionals in an appropriate setting.

In summary, TMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that is used to evaluate and modulate brain activity in different neurological disorders.

Applications of TMS

Diseases where TMS has been applied:

  • Major depression
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Anxiety disorders (e.g., obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder)
  • Schizophrenia
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Neuropathic pain
  • Tourette’s syndrome
  • Autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Stroke
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa)
  • Addictions (e.g., tobacco addiction, alcohol addiction)

It should be noted that this list is not exhaustive and that TMS and tDCS are being researched and developed to treat an even wider range of neurological disorders.