In our Neurology Center in Gland, we have the opportunity to perform Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) treatments.
It is a non-invasive method of direct magnetic stimulation of the cerebral cortex (about 2000-3000 stimulations per session). Depending on the stimulation frequency, it is possible to obtain an excitatory or inhibitory effect on the brain. For example, the stimulation of the motor area of the hand on the prerolandic region, makes the contralateral hand to move.
The therapeutic efficacy of rTMS is now recognized by a large number of scientific studies in the world for several neurological and psychiatric disorders. These studies defined specific protocols and parameters of rTMS (number of stimuli, intensity and frequency of stimulation) together with the targeted brain regions. The regions to be stimulated are found on the skull by standard algorithms.
rTMS has no or very few side effects . The treatment is ambulatory and there is no need of sedation or anesthesia. The rTMS is contraindicated for individuals with cochlear implants, pacemakers and cardiac defibrillators, as well as epileptic patients.
The positive effects of the rTMS treatment usually appear after 2-3 weeks of treatment.
The rTMS is specified as a therapy for neurogenic pain of central origin , chronic migraine and other painful conditions for example fibromyalgia .
Spatial Heminegligence and Aphasia after stroke could also benefit from rTMS in the recovery phase.
Efficacy has been demonstrated in cases of resistant depression and auditory-verbal hallucinations that are not responsive to pharmacological treatment. The rTMS could also be considered for patients (with endogenous depression), who refuse pharmacological drugs.
Among other conditions for which rTMS can be considered a valid treatment, there are also Tinnitus and Anxiety Disorders . For psychiatric conditions the indication must be discussed with the psychiatrist of the patient. For fibromyalgia the indication should be discussed with the rheumatologist of the patient.
We are naturally at your disposal to discuss the clinical history of the patient and the suggested protocol for rTMS .
For other information, visit: http://tms-therapie.ch/en/