TMS Treatment for PTSD

Transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS can also help PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder. It usually results from a traumatic experience. Patients with PTSD tend to revisit the trauma through memories and dreams. It can be a taxing and devastating condition. If you want to see if TMS can help with your or your loved one’s PTSD, here is some inside information.

The reason for using TMS

PTSD usually develops in people who encounter accidents, wars, disasters, or violence. Patients tend to recollect their experiences through certain triggers or dreams. It may be difficult to accept, but the people who have PTSD are the ones who serve and defend other people. Soldiers, police officers, firefighters, and first responders develop this disorder.

These individuals often suffer a great deal. Many of them suffer because work culture and regulations prevent the use of medications to treat PTSD. If these patients do take the medications, side effects take them over. The effects are not good for work and relationships. Thanks to TMS, there is hope. This non-invasive approach does not need drugs or surgery to treat PTSD and accompanying depression.

TMS is a form of focal neuromodulation

Focal neuromodulation is an alternative to psychotherapy and medicinal treatments for psychiatric ailments. In this non-invasive treatment, the psychiatrist aims to change the neural activity in one area of the brain. The positive changes would flow throughout the sensory network. TMS is a type of focal brain stimulation. It uses electromagnetic currents to stimulate certain areas of the brain.

A TMS session involves the delivery of the magnetic energy through the patient’s scalp. This triggers the production of electric currents in the patient’s cerebral cortex. The FDA approved the use of TMS to stimulate the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). This treatment is based on the information that the prefrontal cortex is a vital node in the sensory network that handles depression.

The process

Patients with PTSD have low brain activity in sections of the brain that handle anxiety. These parts of the brain also distinguish the difference between the past and present. TMS activates these areas with electromagnetic currents. This treatment helps regulate the neurons in the brain. It restores stability and balance in the brain, returning neural activities to normal.

The protocol for treating PTSD with TMS is like the one for treating MDD (major depressive disorder). Psychiatrists see patients five times every week for six weeks. Each session lasts for 20 minutes. Then, there is a follow-up series of less frequent treatments for three weeks. After completing the sessions, patients reported the reduction of MDD and PTSD symptoms.

Patients will sit on a chair. The psychiatrist will place a cushion-lined helmet that uses electromagnetic fields to activate specific areas of the brain and relieve the symptoms of PTSD. There will be no hospitalization, surgery, or anesthesia. That is why the patient will have no side effects like memory loss. Patients can go back to daily tasks after every treatment.

TMS for PTSD is effective

Many people experience traumatic events that trigger PTSD. These individuals suffer when their work prevents them from taking medications. With TMS, PTSD patients can get relief from PTSD without medications, surgery, or anesthesia. Discussing your needs with your psychiatrist can make your TMS sessions custom-fit for your needs.

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