Understanding Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Randolph County

By Jerry Jones


While some controversy still exists, a new therapy and treatment for neurological conditions is now being offered to the public. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Randolph County is a treatment uses an electrical charge which travels to the brain then onto the central nervous system. Also referred to by the acronyms TMS or rTMS, the treatment is fairly new in the neurological field of medicine.

In this type of treatment, an electrical generator or stimulator along with a magnetic coil is attached to an individual's scalp. After which, the equipment provides an electrical surge to the coil which then creates a magnetic field. The magnetic field then results in a secondary charge to the brain. To date, the process has shown potential with regards to diagnostic and treatment of damage to the brain and central nervous system.

Most noted adverse effects of the treatment include fainting and seizures, both of which of are rare. Interference with pacemakers and defibrillators have also been reported. Whereas, test subjects have also reported discomfort in the way of pain, cognitive changes, hearing loss and hypomania.

The measurement of the connection between the central nervous system and primary motor cortex of the brain remains the most widely accepted and used aspect of the treatment. For, health care providers, researchers and scientists have all been able to study damage and determine whether the insult was caused by past, present or progressive insult whether due to a mental illness, physical illness or injury.

Generally regarded as safe, there are risks. While risks are higher with rTMS applications, both applications have shown risks. Still, most adverse effects increase with higher and ongoing frequency stimulation. These elevated risks are just one reason the treatment remains controversial among a number of psychiatrists and primary health care providers.

TMS can also be performed using butterfly coils which provide an electrical current running across the base of the head. In this case, the coil is enclosed in a plastic wire which is held tightly against the skull during the activation process. After which, the magnetized field induces the brain which then sends a message to nearby nerve cells.

When using butterfly coils in TMS, the magnetized field is about the same as a MRI, with the pulse only reaching into about 5 centimeters into the brain. The butterfly coil type of TMS is generally used when there is only minor damage. Whereas, modified electrical coils are most often used in instances where more severe damage has taken place.

Ultimately, the technology and treatment are based off basic electrical principles. For, by running a wire which generates a magnetic pulse to a coil then to the brain, electrical surges work to basically wake up that area of the cortex. After which, the pulses then relay a message to different nerve cells which can then be stimulated. While this is the case, there is still a great deal more research necessary before the technology or treatment can be proved safe and effective for ongoing use in humans.




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