Repetitive Transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)

Why in news?

• AIIMS is using Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) therapy to help pregnant women deal with depression

About repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rMTS):

• Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses magnetic pulses applied to the scalp to stimulate the brain.
• It has shown promise in reversing brain changes and providing rapid relief to severely depressed patients who have not responded to standard treatments.

How rTMS works?

• rTMS works by generating electromagnetic pulses through a coil placed on the scalp, which modulates the cortical activity of the brain.
• The mechanism of action for rTMS involves increasing neuronal activity and changing the strength of connections between different brain areas.
• The electromagnetic pulses create electrical currents in the brain tissue and affect the membrane potential of brain cells.

Significance:

• Studies have indicated that rTMS may alleviate depression by reversing abnormal signalling patterns between brain regions. It has also been found effective in reducing symptoms of various neuropsychiatric disorders.
• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of U.S approved rTMS as a treatment for clinical depression in 2008.

Add ons:

• rTMS has also been investigated as a potential treatment for refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rMTS), sometimes seen in news, is associated with:

(a) Mental health treatment

(b) Steel manufacturing

(c) Bio-remediation

(d) Abating air pollution

Answer