A therapeutic system was recently FDA approved that could help the millions of Americans suffering from depression who are not helped by antidepressants. It uses a method called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to stimulate the part of the brain that is thought to control mood.
The non-invasive, non-systemic treatments are administered in a physician’s office. An electromagnetic headpiece, positioned just above the forehead, sends pulsed magnetic fields two to three centimeters into the prefrontal cortex of the brain. The pulses are similar in strength to those produced by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine, and they act to stimulate the neurons to increase production of dopamine – a neurotransmitter that elevates mood.
The treatment protocol consists of daily sessions, about 40 minutes each, for four to six weeks. In clinical trials, symptoms were significantly reduced in about half of the subjects.
For information: www.neurostartms.com
Tags: Antidepressants, Depression, Dopamine, TMS, Transcranial Magnetic Simulation
