Journal: J Vis Exp. 2016 Oct 4;(116):53858. doi: 10.3791/53858.
Authors: Feifel D, Pappas K
Background:
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an emerging non-pharmacological approach to treating many brain-based disorders. rTMS uses electromagnetic coils to stimulate areas of the brain non-invasively. Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) with the Brainsway H1coil system specifically is a type of rTMS indicated for treating patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who are resistant to medication. The unique H1-coil design of this device is able to stimulate neuronal pathways that lie deeper in the targeted brain areas than those reached by conventional rTMS coils. dTMS is considered to be low-risk and well tolerated, making it a viable treatment option for people who have not responded to medication or psychotherapy trials for their depression. Randomized, sham-control studies have demonstrated that dTMS produces significantly greater improvement in depressive symptoms than sham dTMS treatment in patients with major depression that has not responded to antidepressant medication.
Objective:
In this paper, we will review the methodology for treating major depression with dTMS using an H1-coil.
Methods:
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Results:
This treatment methodology is limited by its sole indication for treatment of severe, treatment resistant, major depressive disorder. The H1-coil used for this treatment is designed to specifically target the area of the brain associated with MDD, so using the H1-coil to treat other diagnoses, such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is not currently a viable option. However, other coils have been developed that are designed to target the areas of the brain associated with these disorders, and research is currently underway to investigate the efficacy of dTMS for treatment of other diagnoses, such as OCD and PTSD, using different models of the H coil.
Conclusions:
As more research continues to come forward regarding the efficacy of dTMS for treatment of MDD and other disorders, it will be important for clinicians to keep abreast of any modifications to the established treatment methodology in order to ensure that patients are receiving the best possible treatment available to them. Disclosures
