Can't medication alone cure mental illness? Let's talk about TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)!

Do you sometimes feel that even if you take medication or go to counseling for mental illnesses like depression , you don't get a full recovery? Or are you fed up with conditions like OCD ? Some people actually have experiences like this. But with the advancement of medical science, there are now new, effective treatments that can help with such conditions. One such wonderful treatment that helps the brain function externally without surgery is TMS, which stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Let's talk about this simply today.

How can a magnet affect our brain?

Although this may seem a bit complicated, TMS therapy is based on two very simple scientific principles. They are electricity and magnetism . The relationship between the two is what is being used here. Imagine that our brain is like a big computer that works with tiny electrical signals. The nerve cells in our brain, called neurons, send information to each other through these tiny electrical signals. Everything like our happiness, sadness, emotions, and decision-making is controlled through this signal system. Now, when you bring a magnet close to something that conducts electricity, you can change the electrical activity. In TMS therapy, a very powerful, special magnet is placed outside the head and the magnetic field it emits "tunes" the electrical activity of the neurons in the relevant parts of the brain. It's like turning the knob on a radio to tune a station. This specifically targets the parts of the brain that control our emotions and are associated with mental health conditions.

Are there different types of TMS therapy?

Yes, there are different ways to do TMS therapy. It varies depending on things like the strength of the magnet, the pattern of magnetic waves emitted, etc. Let's take a look at the main types.

Why is this TMS treatment performed? For what types of diseases?

TMS therapy is often a great option to try when other treatments, such as medications, have failed. The most important thing is that it is non-invasive . This means that no surgery, incisions, or cuts are required. The entire treatment takes place outside the skin. The conditions for which TMS treatment is approved in different countries around the world may vary. The FDA in the United States has so far approved this treatment for four conditions:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) , especially for those who do not respond to other treatments.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder ( OCD ) is a condition that causes unwanted thoughts and actions .
• Migraine(Migraines) .
• To stop smoking (Smoking Cessation) .

Other diseases under investigation

In addition to these approved conditions, research is underway around the world to see if TMS treatment is effective for many other conditions. Some of them include:

• Various addictions
• Alzheimer's disease
• Bipolar disorder
• Chronic pain
• Parkinson 's disease
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Stroke complications

What happens before and during treatment?

Before treatment

If your doctor decides that TMS therapy is right for you, he or she will refer you to a specialist who has been specially trained in this field. The specialist will talk to you and check if there are any other reasons why you cannot have this treatment. When should TMS therapy not be done:

• If you have any metal or electronic devices implanted in your body: For example, cochlear implants, metal plates in your brain, etc. The strong magnet of TMS can attract these metal parts, which can cause serious damage.
• Epilepsy or a history of epilepsy : TMS can very rarely cause epilepsy . Therefore, this treatment is not given to people at risk.

Once all of this is checked and it is confirmed that this treatment is safe for you, the doctor will explain the treatment schedule to you. TMS is not a one-time treatment. You will usually need to attend these treatment sessions for several weeks, about 3-5 days a week.

During treatment

This is a very simple procedure . 1. You will be made to sit very comfortably in a specially designed chair. 2. You will be given earplugs to prevent the "clicking" sound from the magnet from damaging your ears. This is also done during an MRI scan. 3. The doctor will then adjust the device with the magnetic coil to the exact location on your head so that it touches the outside of the device. 4. Before the treatment begins, the doctor will give you a few single-pulse stimulations to your scalp to find the right location and the strength of the magnet. As the strength of the magnet is gradually increased, you will feel a slight tingling sensation in your hand, especially in your thumb.will begin. This is normal. The doctor is waiting for this to find the right intensity. 5. Once the right intensity is found, the treatment session will begin. You will feel something tapping on your head, and you will hear a "click click" sound. This is all normal. 6. Depending on the type of TMS you are receiving, one treatment session can last from a few minutes to about half an hour. When the treatment session is over, you can go about your normal activities without any problems.

What are the benefits and risks of TMS therapy?

Advantages of TMS

• Non-invasive: No surgery or anesthesia is required. You can go home after the treatment.
• Safe : The most serious side effect is seizure , but it is very rare (less than 1 in 10,000 treatment sessions). Other side effects are very minor.
• Effectiveness: Although the success of the treatment varies from patient to patient, research has proven that this is an effective treatment method.
• Life-saving: Conditions like major depressive disorder (MDD) can lead to suicide. TMS therapy can help save lives by reducing symptoms, and sometimes completely curing them.
• Compatibility with other treatments: While undergoing this treatment, you can continue to take medications prescribed by your doctor and undergo psychological counseling.

Risks and side effects

Side effects of TMS therapy are very rare, and often minor. These disappear within a few minutes after the treatment session is over.

• Headache
• Pain in the skull or neck
• Feeling dizzy
• Numbness in the muscles of the face or scalp
• Hearing a ringing in the ears (Tinnitus)

What to do in an emergency?

People with conditions such as major depressive disorder (MDD) or OCD are at risk of having suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of harming or killing themselves, please take action immediately.

• Call the National Mental Health Helpline: You can get immediate help by calling 1926 .
• Go to a hospital immediately: If you feel you are in immediate danger, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
• Talk to your doctor: Tell your doctor immediately about any changes in your mental state.

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