What is TMS ?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, outpatient-based procedure used for the treatment of various mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
Additionally, TMS has proven successful in neuro-rehabilitation (from strokes) and the recovery treatment of addiction, including nicotine and cocaine dependence.
TMS relies on the generation of brief magnetic fields created by an insulated coil placed over the scalp. These magnetic fields, in turn, induce weak electric currents in the brain, achieving brain stimulation by activating neural circuitry at the site of stimulation.
TMS aims to reset neural circuits and induce a change in their activity by stimulating brain circuits. This process is intended to bring about improvement in conditions such as depression and anxiety.
What is standard TMS?
In traditional TMS, widely employed in TMS centers globally, the approach typically entails broadly stimulating the left side of the head.
The specific stimulation site is determined by placing a cap on the head and measuring distances from landmarks like the nose or by using a marked target point on the cap.
At Connectomix advanced clinics, our main value is tailoring your TMS treatment using personalized brain medicine principles.
The human brain, a marvel with 86 billion cells firing 17 trillion times per second, is incredibly complex, making each person unique. Recent advancements in MRI imaging and AI enable us to create personalized brain maps, accepted by the FDA as a superior TMS method.
We conduct a 25-minute MRI scan to gather detailed information about your brain connections.
Using machine learning, we analyze these connections, identifying brain networks and pinpointing areas with the highest likelihood of responding to TMS.
This personalized approach is at the core of our service.
Unlike traditional TMS, we prioritize targeting accuracy. We utilize advanced brain navigation technology, ensuring millimeter precision in pinpointing brain areas on your scalp for targeted TMS treatment.
In summary, Connectomix offers world-class TMS treatment grounded in deep scientific knowledge of human brain connections and cutting-edge technology.
1. Neuronavigation maximizes accuracy and precision in TMS positioning: Evidence from 11,230 distance, angle, and electric field modeling measurements. Caulfield KA, Fleischmann HH, Cox CE, Wolf JP, George MS, McTeague LM.Brain Stimul. 2022 Sep-Oct;15(5):1192-1205. doi: 10.1016/j.brs.2022.08.013. Epub 2022 Aug 27.PMID: 36031059
Why is TMS at Connectomix different? How is it personalised?
Connectomix Treatments
10 Benefits
1. Medication free treatment
Treatments are medication free. It can be used alongside your other treatment plans.
2. Short treatments
TMS treatment is an out-patient, non-invasive procedure. Treatment plans are typically between 25 sessions, each averaging around 5-10 minutes per session. The treatments are done at our state-of-the-art clinics in a comfortable chair, within a comfortable environment.
3. Stopped at any time
You can stop the treatments at any time without any side effects or withdrawal symptoms. Treatment is non-addictive.
4. Minimal side effects
It has minimal side effects compared to medications.
Does not cause any physical changes such as weight gain, hair loss, scalp damage, or sex-related difficulties.
Does not cause any physical changes such as weight gain, hair loss, scalp damage or sex related difficulties.
5. Non-hospitalised treatment
It does not require any admission into a hospital or clinic, and no overnight stays.
6. Effective treatments
In clinical trials TMS has been shown to be over 50% effective in treating mental health conditions. Navigated TMS with personaised brain mapping individualises treatment for higher success rates.
7. Can be used in patients with comorbidities
May be an option for patients who have multiple medical conditions and who may not be able to take multiple medications.
8. Non-invasive
Treatments are done at Connectomix clinics in comfortable chairs. Treatment does not require surgery, anaesthesia or numbing creams, making it a safer alternative to other treatments such as deep brain stimulation.
9. Adjunctive treatments
Can be used in combination with other treatments therapies to enhance the overall effectiveness of treatment.
10. Targeted treatment
Can be targeted to specific areas of the brain, allowing for more accurate treatment.
What can TMS treat ?
Mental health illnesses
Anxiety
Treatment of anxiety with the use of TMS is used as off-label treatment. There have been at least 12 randomised controlled studies that have evaluated its use for the treatment of anxiety related disorders with the majority demonstrating treatment benefit.
Depression
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has approved the use of TMS for major depression in 2008. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK has also approved TMS for treatment of depression.
At Connectomix, we integrate personalised brain maps in picking targets for our clients with OCD and thereby we are individualising our treatments.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has approved TMS for treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in 2018.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Treatment of PTSD with the use of TMS is used as off-label treatment. There have been at least 8 randomised controlled studies that have evaluated the use of TMS for the treatment of anxiety related disorders with the majority demonstrating treatment benefit.
Stroke rehabilitation
Treatment of stroke with the use of TMS is used as off-label treatment. There have been at least 34 randomised controlled studies that have evaluated the use of TMS for the treatment of chronic refractory pain with the majority demonstrating treatment benefit.
At Connectomix, we have considerable experience with TMS based rehabilitation for neurological deficits such as weakness on one side and speech deficits.
Dementia
Treatment of dementia with the use of TMS is used as off-label treatment. There have been at least 11 studies that have evaluated the use of TMS for the cognitive aspects of Alzheimer’s disease and 5 randomised controlled studies that have evaluated the use of TMS for the behavioural and psychological aspects of dementia.
Results based on these studies demonstrate that TMS is potentially an effective therapy in the context of dementia.
Tinnitus
Treatment of tinnitus with the use of TMS is used as off-label treatment. There have been at least 15 randomised controlled studies that have evaluated the use of TMS for the treatment of tinnitus. Results based on these studies demonstrate that TMS has shown positive results in terms of decreasing the severity of tinnitus. Results based on these studies demonstrate that TMS is potentially an effective therapy in the context of dementia.
Addictions and substance abuse
Treatment of addiction with the use of TMS is used as off label treatment. There have been at least 11 randomised controlled studies and more than 70 studies in total that have evaluated the use of TMS for the treatment of addiction.
Studies have evaluated gambling, nicotine and substance abuse. Results based on these studies demonstrate that TMS has shown potential as a treatment for addiction.
At Connectomix we integrate personalised brain maps in picking targets for our clients with addiction and thereby we are individualising treatments. Furthermore, through use of navigated and robotic TMS we are providing our clients with cutting edge technology aimed at improving target accuracy and thereby increasing treatment success.
Ultimately, treatment of addiction at Connectomix is based on personalised brain medicine principles.
Nicotine
There have been at least 4 randomised controlled studies that have evaluated the use of TMS for the treatment of nicotine addiction. The majority of trials demonstrated reduced nicotine craving, cigarette craving and consumption.
The majority of trials demonstrated reduced nicotine craving, cigarette craving and consumption.
Alcohol
There have been at least 12 studies that have evaluated the use of TMS for the treatment of cocaine addiction. The majority of studies demonstrated decreased cocaine craving and use.
Chronic refractory pain
Treatment of chronic refractory pain with the use of TMS is used as off-label treatment. There have been at least 11 randomised controlled studies that have evaluated the use of TMS for the treatment of chronic refractory pain with the majority demonstrating treatment benefit.
What are the side-effects?
What are the Side Effects?
TMS has been used as a treatment for many decades. It is a well-tolerated treatment, with very few patients experiencing side effects to the extent where treatment is discontinued. Nevertheless, as with any medical treatment, it can have potential side effects.
The most common side effects include, but are not limited to:
- Facial Twitching: During TMS sessions, some individuals may experience involuntary muscle contractions or twitches in the facial muscles. This can occur as a result of the magnetic field interacting with the neural pathways in the brain. Facial twitching is generally considered a mild and temporary side effect. It is important to note that not all individuals will experience this side effect.
- Muscle Twitching / tingling sensation: You may experience uncomfortable or painful muscle twitching at the site of stimulation. If this occurs, please inform the Connectomix technician so that treatment parameters can be adjusted to enhance comfort.
- Lightheadedness or Mild Headaches: Headaches or lightheadedness are also reported post-treatment. These symptoms are usually short-lived and respond well to simple painkillers.
- Scalp Discomfort: The area of the scalp where the magnetic coil is applied may feel slightly uncomfortable or sensitive during or after the treatment. This often subsides soon after the TMS treatment therapy has stopped.
- Some Sleepiness: Some patients feel slightly tired after TMS therapy. Our recovery rooms offer private and peaceful space for recovery.
- Seizure: The most serious known side effect is a seizure. The risk is extremely small with modern equipment; nevertheless, it is possible. If you have a history of seizures, it’s crucial to alert your referring specialist and the Connectomix technician. In the event of a seizure, Connectomix technicians have been trained to manage this situation.
- For patients with pre-existing bipolar disorder, there is a small risk of the emergence of mania following a therapy session. If you experience symptoms of mania, alert your referring physician immediately.
These side effects are typically short-term and do not pose long-term threats to patient health.
Who cannot have TMS?
You cannot have TMS if you possess implantable devices that are regulated by physiological signals, encompassing pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), and vagus nerve stimulators (VNS).
You may face an elevated level of vulnerability, particularly if you have conditions like epilepsy, a prior head injury, or other significant neurological disorders.
Connectomix personalised brain mapping services
Learn more about Connectomix personalised brain mapping services.
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