Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive procedure used to study the brain and treat neurological disorders. This procedure involves the application of a brief, magnetic field to the scalp which can then alter the activity of neurons in the cortex. This technique has been used in both clinical and research settings to investigate a number of neurological disorders and their underlying neural mechanisms.
The use of TMS has been studied for the treatment of various neurological disorders, such as major depression, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and tinnitus. In the case of major depression, the use of TMS has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression. Several randomized, controlled trials have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of TMS in treating depression. The results of these trials suggest that TMS is an effective treatment option for individuals with major depression.
In addition to its use in treating neurological disorders, TMS has also been used in research settings to investigate the neural mechanisms that underlie certain cognitive processes. For example, TMS has been used to study the role of the prefrontal cortex in executive functions, such as working memory, decision making, and attention. By using TMS to temporarily disrupt the activity of the prefrontal cortex, researchers can explore how this region of the brain contributes to cognitive functions.
Overall, TMS is a promising tool for both clinical and research settings. This technique has been used to successfully treat a variety of neurological disorders and explore the neural mechanisms underlying certain cognitive processes.
References
Brunoni, A.R., Valiengo, L., Baccaro, A., Zanao, T.A., & Gattaz, W.F. (2011). The sertraline vs. electrical current therapy for treating depression clinical study: Results from a factorial, randomized, controlled trial. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 45, 1292-1299.
Feredoes, E., & Silvanto, J. (2014). Transcranial magnetic stimulation in cognitive neuroscience: A review of methods and applications. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 38, 94-114.
Rabey, J.M., Dobronevsky, E., & Khaigrekht, M. (2016). Transcranial magnetic stimulation in Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, 23, 13-20.