The Bouras Blog

Q:

Dear Dr. Bouras,

I have been reading about this new TMS Therapy for depression. Over the years, a lot of people have used different magnetic therapies for different ailments. How is this different?

Carl

A:

Dear Carl,

Thank you for your question. I have been getting the same question from other individuals, including even physicians who are not familiar with TMS Therapy.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS for short) therapy has been approved by the FDA, the same agency which approves all the medications we prescribe. That means that there were clinical studies, placebo-controlled and double-blinded that showed both efficacy (it works) and safety (it is safe) to be prescribed to patients with depression. In contrast, other “magnetic therapies” that people might have heard of have no scientific basis.

TMS therapy uses a magnetic field (similar in strength as MRI machines) as a way to “jump over” the skin and skull in order to reach specific areas of the brain. By rapidly changing the field, a small electric current is induced inside the brain which in turn stimulates the brain cells to be “more active.” Higher activity of the brain cells causes higher level of neurotransmitters (NTs) like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which in turn help with depression. These are the same NTs that are increased when we use antidepressants. In contrast, other “magnetic therapies” use weak magnets (do not penetrate to the brain) that are static (do not produce an electrical current).  

CNN rated TMS Therapy as the top ten (10) innovations for 2009 (click #5). This is a breakthrough therapy for patients suffering from depression. You can also see what media says about TMS therapy.

Dr. Bouras