Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, is a noninvasive neurostimulation technique in which a changing magnetic field, produced by a coil placed against the scalp, induces an electric current in a targeted area of the brain and modulates the activity of the underlying neural tissue. Repetitive TMS devices have been cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration as reasonably safe and effective for major depressive disorder, chronic pain and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and the procedure requires no surgery or implanted electrode. Adverse effects are generally rare, the most significant immediate risk being fainting, and seizures have been reported but remain uncommon; because TMS stimulates the brain's cortical tissue without the pain sensations produced by transcranial electrical stimulation, it is considered a gentler alternative to some other brain stimulation methods, though its evidence base still shows modest effect sizes alongside substantial placebo response in clinical trials.
Facts
Origin YearAnthony T. Barker developed the first stable TMS devices in 1985 as an alternative to the uncomfortable transcranial electrical stimulation used since 1980. Connections
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia FoundationHistory section, TMS device development paragraph
the first stable TMS devices were developed in 1985
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transcranial_magnetic_stimulation, lead section
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive neurostimulation technique in which a changing magnetic field is used to induce an electric current in a targeted area of the brain through electromagnetic induction.
View the Source Frequently Asked Questions
What is transcranial magnetic stimulation?
A noninvasive technique using a magnetic coil on the scalp to induce current in a targeted brain area.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive neurostimulation technique in which a changing magnetic field is used to induce an electric current in a targeted area of the brain through electromagnetic induction. A device called a stimulator generates electric pulses that are delivered to a magnetic coil placed against the scalp. The resulting magnetic field penetrates the skull and induces a secondary electric current in the underlying brain tissue, modulating neural activity.
What conditions is repetitive TMS used for, and how well does it work?
Major depressive disorder, chronic pain and OCD, though evidence quality is variable and effects modest.
Medical devices delivering repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) appear to provide reasonably safe and effective treatments for major depressive disorder, chronic pain, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, evidence quality is variable, effect sizes are modest, and placebo responses are large; the extent of its efficacy and optimal treatment protocols are not certain. This record describes what the sources state and is not medical advice.
What are the side effects of TMS?
Rare; fainting and seizure occur in roughly 0.1% of patients.
Adverse effects of TMS appear rare and include fainting and seizure, which occur in roughly 0.1% of patients and are usually attributable to administration error. This record describes what the sources state and is not medical advice.
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