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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffTranscranial magnetic stimulation is a procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. Transcranial magnetic stimulation may be tried when other depression treatments haven't worked.
With transcranial magnetic stimulation, a large electromagnetic coil is placed against your scalp near your forehead. The electromagnet used in transcranial magnetic stimulation creates electric currents that stimulate nerve cells in the region of your brain involved in mood control and depression.
Because transcranial magnetic stimulation is a relatively new depression treatment, more studies are needed to determine how effective it is, which treatment techniques work best and whether it has any long-term side effects.
- Padberg F, et al. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the prefrontal cortex in depression. Experimental Neurology. 2009;219:2.
- Kim D, et al. Transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Current Psychiatry Reports. 2009;11:447.
- Loo CK, et al. A review of the safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation as a clinical treatment for depression. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. 2008;11:131.
- George MS, et al. Nonpharmacological somatic treatments. In: Hales RE, et al. The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry. 5th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2008. http://www.psychiatryonline.com/content.aspx?aid=338825. Accessed June 21, 2010.
- Barbara Woodward Lips Patient Education Center. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2009.
- Rossini, Paolo M, et al. Transcranial magnetic stimulation: Diagnostic, therapeutic, and research potential. Neurology. 2007;68:484.
- Fitzgerald, Paul B, et al. The use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and vagal nerve stimulation in the treatment of depression. Current Opinion in Psychiatry. 2008;21:25.
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