The History and Progression of TMS Therapy

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure used to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. The therapy uses magnetic fields to induce small electric currents in specific areas of the brain. TMS therapy has been used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. In this blog post, we will explore the history and progression of TMS therapy.

The history of TMS therapy can be traced back to the late 19th century when scientists discovered the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction. Michael Faraday, a British physicist, observed that a changing magnetic field could induce an electric current in a wire. This principle became the basis for the development of TMS therapy.

In the 1980s, Anthony Barker and his colleagues at the University of Sheffield in England developed the first TMS machine. This machine used a coil of wire to generate a magnetic field that could penetrate the skull and stimulate the brain. Barker and his team discovered that by adjusting the frequency and intensity of the magnetic pulses, they could target specific areas of the brain.

Early research into TMS therapy focused on its potential to treat neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. However, it soon became apparent that TMS therapy had the potential to treat mental health conditions as well.

In 1997, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved TMS therapy for the treatment of depression. The approval was based on a number of clinical trials that demonstrated the effectiveness of TMS therapy in treating depression.

Since then, TMS therapy has become an increasingly popular treatment option for a variety of mental health conditions. In addition to depression, TMS therapy has been used to treat anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

One of the advantages of TMS therapy is that it is non-invasive and does not require any anesthesia. This makes it a safer and less painful option compared to other treatments, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

TMS therapy is also relatively easy to administer. The patient sits in a chair while a coil of wire is placed on their scalp. The coil generates a magnetic field that stimulates the brain for a few seconds at a time. The treatment typically lasts for 30 to 60 minutes and is usually administered five days a week for several weeks.

While TMS therapy has shown promising results in treating mental health conditions, there is still much we need to learn about its long-term effectiveness and potential side effects. However, the current research suggests that TMS therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for many people.

In recent years, there have been several advancements in TMS technology. For example, deep TMS (dTMS) uses a coil that can penetrate deeper into the brain, allowing for more precise targeting of specific areas. Theta burst stimulation (TBS) is another newer form of TMS that delivers a burst of magnetic pulses at a faster rate than traditional TMS, reducing the treatment time.

As TMS therapy continues to evolve, researchers are exploring its potential to treat other mental health conditions, such as addiction, eating disorders, and schizophrenia.

In conclusion, TMS therapy has come a long way since its discovery in the 19th century. It has become a safe and effective treatment option for a variety of mental health conditions, with promising advancements in technology to improve its precision and efficiency. As research into TMS therapy continues, it may offer new hope for those struggling with mental health issues.

Strategies for Success practitioners can answer your questions about TMS and other ways for improving your mental health. SFS has locations in Chandler, Gilbert, Casa Grande, Anthem and now Goodyear, Arizona! Call us today!