"Holistic Approch to Neurological Disorders"
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (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.
This treatment for depression involves delivering repetitive magnetic pulses, so it's called repetitive TMS or rTMS.
How it works
During an rTMS session, an electromagnetic coil is placed against your scalp near your forehead. The electromagnet painlessly delivers a magnetic pulse that stimulates nerve cells in the region of your brain involved in mood control and depression. It's thought to activate regions of the brain that have decreased activity in depression.
Though the biology of why rTMS works isn't completely understood, the stimulation appears to impact how the brain is working, which in turn seems to ease depression symptoms and improve mood.
Why it's done
Depression is a treatable condition, but for some people, standard treatments aren't effective. Repetitive TMS is typically used when standard treatments such as medications and talk therapy (psychotherapy) don't work.
Risks
Repetitive TMS is a noninvasive form of brain stimulation used for depression. Unlike vagus nerve stimulation or deep brain stimulation, rTMS does not require surgery or implantation of electrodes. And, unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), rTMS doesn't cause seizures or require sedation with anesthesia.
Common side effects
Side effects are generally mild to moderate and improve shortly after an individual session and decrease over time with additional sessions. They may include:
1. Headache 2. Scalp discomfort at the site of stimulation 3. Tingling, spasms or twitching of facial muscles 4. Lightheadedness
Your doctor can adjust the level of stimulation to reduce symptoms or may recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain medication before the procedure.
Uncommon side effects
Serious side effects are rare. They may include:
1. Seizures 2. Mania, particularly in people with bipolar disorder 3. Hearing loss if there is inadequate ear protection during treatment
What you can expect
Repetitive TMS is usually done in a doctor's office or clinic. It requires a series of treatment sessions to be effective. Generally, sessions are carried out daily, five times a week for four to six weeks.
Current Uses of TMS
TMS is FDA approved for depression and Obsessive Compulsive disorder in individuals who failed at least one medication trial but there are several investigative uses and very strong and promising results of the use of other conditions that include:
1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
2. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
3. Bipolar Disorder
4. Pain Resulting from Infections and Diseases of the Nerves
5. Migraine
6. Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia
7. Difficulties in Cognitive Abilities and Memory
8. Emotional and Reward-based Deficits
9. Increasing the Communicative capabilities of Autistic Spectrum Disorder Patients
10. Addiction to Alcohol
11. Addiction to Smoking
12. Auditory Hallucinations in Schizophrenia
During each treatment
Before TMS session, your doctor may request the following:
1. A physical examination, laboratory tests or other imaging tests
2. A psychological evaluation to discuss your psychiatric disorders
These procedures help to ensure that TMS is a safe and good option for you.
Once the coil placement and dose are identified, you're ready to begin. Here's what to expect during each treatment:
1. You'll sit in a comfortable chair, wearing ear plugs, with the magnetic coil placed against your head.
2. When the machine is turned on, you'll hear clicking sounds and feel tapping on your forehead.
3. The procedure will last about 40 minutes, and you'll remain awake and alert. You may feel some scalp discomfort during the treatment and for a short time afterward.
How do I get started?
Contact us today! to schedule your Initial Evaluation and Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) Session. Have more questions? Call us or e-mail us for a consultation.
Phone: (+971) 4 33 88 5 88
E-Mail: info@kindcare.ae
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
Dr. Hamid, working as a Specialist Neurologist and Assistant Professor with extensive experience for more than 12 years in UAE, EU and Iran.
Dr. Hamid is "Born as a Neurologist", as he was born in the honored family of Neurologist Doctors.
His Special Interest skills it is a Future of Medicine include Neurofeedback, Brain Mapping, Trans Cranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), an innovative non invasive computer – aided training method, to influence consciously self-regulation of brain activity by providing an audio, video feedback signal and bio magnetic vibes to improve brain imbalances for example in treatment of Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, Tics, Tourette Syndrome, Insomnia, Learning Disabilities, Pain Management, HRV (heart rate variability) Biofeedback and Complementary approaches in Neurological Diseases.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is efficient for most patients with perceptible results. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a learning process; therefore results are seen gradually over time. In about fifteen sessions you will already feel an improvement of your complaints. Most patients meet their treatment goals in 20 sessions, depending on their condition. Each session lasts approximately 30-40 minutes.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is FDA approved, and meets the highest criteria for evidence-based rTMS practice. It has been cross-validated by both PET and MRI, is used by Universities, Medical Centers, the US military, Research Institutes, etc. The hardware and software used for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in our Medical Center was designed and developed by one of the world leaders in brain research and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.
While conducting the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, an electromagnetic coil is placed against your scalp near your forehead. The electromagnet painlessly delivers a magnetic pulse that stimulates nerve cells in the region of your brain involved in mood control and depression. It's thought to activate regions of the brain that have decreased activity in depression. This treatment is highly safe, effective, painless, non-invasive, natural cure and scientifically proven.
Children and teenagers enjoy Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and react positively to the many benefits it can bring. It calms and relaxes them, helps amplify joy and happiness, calms fears and bewilderment, all of which are emotions that are part of growing up. Dr. Hamid Reza, Specialist Neurologist providing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for children and adults at KindCare Medical Center.
One session lasts 30-40 minutes. For many patients 1 course (15 therapy sessions) is sufficient to create lasting improvements. However, depending on the patient, the condition and its severity, more sessions may be necessary to see improved results, and regular follow-up appointments may be needed to maintain results. *Autism and other globally delayed/affected patients are most positively impacted with 3 or more courses.