Discovering 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.

The most noted adverse effects of TMS are rare though do include seizures and fainting. Some interference with other devices such as defibrillators and pacemakers has also been noted. In addition, most tests have shown subjects to experience discomfort such as hearing loss, cognitive changes, hypomania and pain.

Researchers and scientists have now proved that TMS can measure different activity and functions in circuits of the brain in humans. The most widely accepted use of TMS is now being used to measure the connection between the primary motor cortex and the central nervous system. For, health care providers can look at the information to determine whether damage to the central nervous system was caused by a past, present or ongoing physical or mental illness.

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.

In some cases, butterfly coils can be used which use an electrical current running across the scalp and skull. In this practice, a coil enclosed in plastic is placed tightly against to the skull during activation. At which time, the magnetic field induces a charge to the brain which then carries the signal to the nervous system.

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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