Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, FDA-approved therapy that uses powerful magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It’s been used clinically for over 30 years and has helped millions of people with depression, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders. In Glendale, AZ, TMS specialists can guide you in treating you. The best center for TMS in Glendale, AZ, will also advise you on the expectations from the treatments. Here are seven amazing facts about the procedure.
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It’s Non-Invasive
The best thing about Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is that it’s non-invasive. Unlike surgery, there’s no cutting or drilling involved. You put on a helmet with the magnetic stimulator attached and let the machine do its work.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation uses magnetic fields to treat the brain, but the fields are well-controlled and pose no risk to the patient. They are precise in their targeting and can be turned off at any time.
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It’s Safe
Another great thing about TMS is that the process is safe. There are no side effects. The National Institute of Mental Health studied how it can be used safely in patients with depression or schizophrenia, particularly adolescents and children.
Despite being non-invasive, doctors have gotten good results using TMS with patients who suffer from anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, insomnia, and other conditions.
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It Could Boost Your Cognitive Function
A study published by the National Institutes of Health showed that TMS could improve cognitive function by stimulating the brain to work more efficiently. Researchers are still trying to figure out exactly how it works, but they agree that using this therapy could help you perform better cognitive tasks.
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It Can Help Reduce Symptoms of Mental Illness
One of the primary uses of TMS is to help reduce symptoms of mental illness. It’s been shown to effectively treat conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
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TMS Could Be Used to Treat Other Conditions
Although the primary use for TMS currently is to treat mental illness, scientists are studying how it might be used for other purposes. OCD and PTSD are being looked at in more detail because studies have shown that there can be some cognitive benefits with TMS. The FDA has approved its use to treat pain related to knee osteoarthritis.
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It May Help People With Brain Injuries
Some people with brain injuries have found that TMS helps improve their cognitive function. One study showed that people who had sustained a traumatic brain injury saw an improvement in their working memory and attention span after undergoing TMS therapy.
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There is No Recovery Time
Since TMS isn’t invasive, there is no recovery time. You can go about your daily life while the therapy works to reduce your symptoms. Studies have shown that cognitive function may improve after just a few sessions. It is essential because people don’t have to take time off from work or school to undergo treatment.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a low-impact therapy that has been used for over 20 years to treat mental illness. Studies have shown it can effectively treat conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The National Institutes of Health also found that TMS could improve cognitive function by stimulating the brain to work more efficiently.