Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ( TMS )

In this new treatment method, the brain cells are stimulated using magnetic fields. This is a painless treatment and does not involve anesthesia, electrodes and surgical methods. TMS is seen as a replacement for Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). TMS is also totally devoid of all the side effects associated with ECT.

In transcranial magnetic stimulation ( TMS ), also known as magnetic therapy , the therapist passes current over the skull through a series of electromagnetic coils. The area targeted is the left side of the forehead, where it generates a magnetic field. This magnetic field stimulates the neurons. The only known side effect is a mild headache.

The greatest advantage that TMS presents to therapists is that they can now target those specific areas in the brain thought to be responsible for depression.

TMS is not still a common form of treatment but it is offered by certain hospitals and clinics. Researchers believe that TMS , when out of experimental stage, will be able to completely cure depression. For complete cure, TMS should be performed once daily for two or more weeks.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): Vagus Nerve Stimulation is an epilepsy treatment which has been successfully adapted to treat depression. The treatment is the result of researches which established a link between epilepsy and depression.

The vagal nerve is a mixed nerve that connects the brain stem with the pharynx, larynx, lungs, heart, esophagus, stomach and most of the abdominal viscera. The nerve carries vital information from all the above said organs to the central nervous system. To stop seizures in epileptic persons, therapists implanted small pacemakers in vagal nerves. The pacemakers not only reduced seizures but also brought about a positive mood change in epileptic patients. Soon this method was successfully applied in patients suffering from depressive illness.

How is the pacemaker placed in VNS?

Vagus Nerve Stimulation is totally different from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation ( TMS ). Although VNS affects the function of the brain, it is not a brain surgery and the pacemaker is not placed in the brain or anywhere near to it. Instead it is placed, below the left collarbone under the skin through a small incision. The surgery is a simple procedure and has been performed in numerous epileptic patients. The FDA has also approved the procedure. The time taken for the surgery varies from one hour to two hours.