Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a procedure involving stimulating the brain via electromagnetic pulses. As scary as it might sound, it’s non-invasive, poses no major side effects, and is effective for many individuals. Some of the health benefits TMS can provide are as follows.
1. Helps Alleviate Depression
Depression is a complicated disorder that often requires a combination of medication and therapy. TMs is another method of treatment that can help.
By stimulating nerve cells in the part of the brain that’s responsible for mood, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation can reduce the severity of one’s depression.
2. Improves Anxiety
TMS has been found to be effective for multiple anxiety disorders. These disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Reduced anxiety from TMS can usually be seen within a few weeks of treatments.
Do note, however, that before and during Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, one might experience a temporary increase in anxiety.
3. Reduces Addiction
For many people with Substance Use Disorder, overcoming addiction is a long, difficult journey. Some struggle for months or even years. Relapse rates can be high for some people, and some may find it harder to get the proper help they need to beat their addiction.
Inpatient treatment, medication, group programs, and different modes of therapy are typically used to treat substance addiction.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is another prospective method of treatment for addiction. Research shows it can be effective for individuals with an addiction to both drugs, alcohol, and even nicotine as it helps change the brain chemistry.
4. Helps Tourette’s Syndrome
Tourette’s Syndrome is unfortunately a permanent condition due to genetic or environmental factors. Tics may be severe, inconvenient, and can create great embarrassment for the person struggling from the condition.
TMS may not be a cure-all for Tourette’s Syndrome, but the good news is that it may help reduce the severity of its associated symptoms. Other research shows that TMS might not be effective for the general severity of tics but can significantly reduce Tourette’s Syndrome symptoms that are triggered due to underlying conditions, such as OCD or ADHD.
5. Balances Mood
Mood imbalances are a part of many different disorders. These include Dysthymic Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder, and more. Mood fluctuations can be difficult to deal with as they can impact one’s ability to maintain healthy relationships, do well in school, keep a job, partake in regular social activities, and generally enjoy life.
Because Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation can have an effect on the mood center of the brain, Bipolar Disorder is one of many mood disorders that the procedure can aid with. However, TMS is not yet an FDA-approved form of treatment for Bipolar Disorder.
Conclusion
The thought of receiving Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation sounds scary. The truth is, it’s proven to be both safe and effective. From helping alleviate depression and anxiety, to assisting with Tourette’s Syndrome and substance use, to helping balance one’s mood, TMS is a great potential procedure for many.
