Research has shown that TMS can effectively treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, neurological pain, stroke, spinal cord injuries, autism and more. This procedure is very simple and noninvasive. During the procedure, a magnetic field generator or “coil” is placed near the head of the person receiving the treatment. The coil produces small electrical currents in the region of the brain just under the coil via electromagnetic induction. This electrical field causes a change in the transmembrane current of the neuron which leads to depolarization or hyperpolarization of the neuron and the firing of an action potential.
Below is a guide to show the basic routine and highlight any safety issues of this procedure. Read carefully before undergoing this procedure and ask your representative or medical staff if there are any concerns.
Patients with any type of non-removable metal in their heads (with the exception of braces and metal fillings), or within twelve inches of the coil should not receive TMS. Failure to follow this rule could cause the object to heat up, move, or malfunction, and result in injury.
The following list of metal implants that can prevent a patient from receiving ATMS are:
- Aneurysm clips or coils
- Stents in the neck or brain
- Implanted stimulators
- Cardiac pacemakers or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
- Electrodes to monitor brain activity
- Metallic implants in your ears and eyes
- Shrapnel or bullet fragments in or near the head
- Facial Tattoos
- Other metal devices or objects implanted in or near the head.
Please inform the staff if you or the patient has any of the above mentioned objects.