How does rTMS Therapy help in Depression Management?
Depression is a state of feeling helpless and sad for a very long time, and the person may lose interest in daily life activities.
The Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a very effective treatment for treating symptoms of depression in a person. It is a non-invasive therapy, and it is especially recommended when the patient does not respond well to medications, talk therapy, or counselling. Transcranial magnetic stimulation in Wales is safe, as the FDA approves it and can be prescribed to the patient in combination with other medications for depression, or it can be used for treatment alone without any medications.
How does it work?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy targets the brain circuit, sending the magnetic pulse to a specific area of the brain that is not functioning properly or is inactive due to depression, particularly the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). rTMS utilizes magnetic coils to generate a magnetic field. The repetition of stimulation alters the neurons, their excitability, and synaptic connections, thereby rewiring the brain's circuits to regulate function and mood by improving the secretion of hormones such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.
What to Expect During Therapy?
During rTMS treatment, the patients are asked to sit in a chair, and the electromagnetic coil that generates the magnetic current is placed on the patient’s head to alter the neuron connectivity, thereby changing the mood in a depressed person. The patient may experience a tapping or knocking sensation in the head. The patient can resume their usual activities as per their routine immediately after the therapy.
Although there are no contraindications for undergoing this therapy, it is recommended that patients have tried other treatments first and should only consider rTMS if these other treatments have been unsuccessful.
The standard rTMS treatment lasts approximately 40 minutes in a single session. There should be 30 sessions to observe the noticeable difference in mood. Now, with advanced techniques, the session time has been reduced to 20 minutes and even as short as 3-5 minutes per session with Theta Burst stimulation.
Risks Associated:
There are no associated risks with this**** treatment in Wales; however, some patients may experience common side effects, including mild headaches, light-headedness, muscle tightness, and temporary hearing problems. For these reasons, it is recommended to use earplugs during treatment sessions.
Get Help From Experts
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