Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)

rTMS utilizes electromagnetic waves to directly stimulate neuron pools within the brain, thus creating significant changes in a short period of time. We presently are able to provide intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS), the latest in advancements in repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation.

What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) utilizes electromagnetic waves to directly stimulate neuron pools within the brain. How does this happen? First, we must understand how neurons actually fire. Action potentials are generated when a stimulus causes the cell membrane to depolarize past the threshold of excitation. Neurons are POLARIZED with a resting membrane potential of -70mV (negative charge), and they have a certain threshold of excitation that must be crossed in order to fire. The neuron must DEPOLARIZE enough (i.e. become less negatively charged) to generate an action potential, which then releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, creating the “firing” we’re talking about.

Following a concussion, stroke, or TBI, one will experience deficits in neuronal activity due to the neurons’ inability to depolarize and begin an action potential. These electromagnetic waves help to depolarize these affected cells, which allows them to fire normally again, and most importantly to CONTINUE to fire appropriately.

Daily rTMS treatments at Revive help to reset our patients’ neurological processes, restoring function to the damaged areas of the cortex and cerebellum. rTMS is easily one of the most revolutionary technological innovations in the arena of neurological rehabilitation, and we are proud to be one of the few clinics in the U.S. that utilizes this therapy in conjunction with the rest of our unparalleled suite of neurological and metabolic therapies.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive method of brain stimulation that relies explicitly on non-invasive electromagnetic induction. Following the most compelling evidence, we proudly provide intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS), the latest in advancements in rTMS. Theta Burst Stimulation is presently FDA approved for depression and OCD, and has proven to be beneficial for anxiety, Parkinson’s, neurological deficits, and many other disorders. Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) is undoubtedly a revolutionary form of brain stimulation that more closely mimics the natural rhythms of activity in the neurons of the brain, thus optimizing its efficacy. Theta Bursts are short bursts of stimulation at high frequencies, with the bursts themselves being applied 5 times per second.

The rTMS is the first technology that allows us to send in a magnetic wave to depolarize the cells to make them fire appropriately- a feat previously thought to be impossible.

rTMS Benefits

Above all, changes in neurochemistry after a head injury cause the majority of problems with our post concussion syndrome, depression, stroke, PTSD, and TBI patients. Scientific research points to a lack of certain neuroreceptors as being the main cause of depression, for example, thus shining some light on how to treat this epidemic.

Generally, if we can get those troubled cells to fire, they will, in effect, release more neuroreceptors. With this in mind, the rTMS sends in magnetic waves that depolarize the cells, causing them to fire. That therefore resets the neurology, or neurochemistry, so that the cells will continue to fire more appropriately. Once this happens, we quickly begin to see changes in symptomatology.

Depending on which region(s) we are targeting, we generally see changes in:

– depression
– anxiety
– motor function
– cognition
– memory
– control
– coordination

treatment equipment

rTMS Treatment

To illustrate the process at its simplest level, the coil generates brief magnetic pulses, which pass easily and painlessly through the skull and eventually into the brain. Furthermore, when these pulses are administered in rapid succession, it is referred to as “repetitive TMS “ or “rTMS.” This method can produce longer lasting changes in brain activity, so as to optimize a patient’s quality of life. Due to the increased frequency with which the electromagnetic pulses are administered, our rTMS treatment lasts only 7 minutes instead of 45 minutes as a result.

When ready for treatment, a clinician carefully places the insulated coil over the patient’s scalp. The waves are specifically focused on the area(s) of the brain affected by the condition.

Where Can I Get rTMS Therapy

Here at Revive in Denver, Colorado, we service patients from all over the world while they are here for treatment. We also provide rotational therapy services for our local communities in the front range of Colorado including greater Denver, Boulder, Aspen, and Vail. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Conditions That Benefit From rTMS Therapy:

– Depression
– PTSD
– Anxiety
– Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
– Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS)
– Stroke
– Parkinson’s
– Alzheimer’s
– Other neurodegenerative disorders

rTMS depression brain images

rTMS Machine

Since we utilize repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, our treatments only take about 7 minutes instead of 45. The patient sits in the chair with automated comfort controls, and the coil is placed on the area of deficit. For example: for depression, anxiety, and PTSD patients, the clinician places the coil on the left orbito-prefrontal lobe.

The coil sends theta burst waves through the skin and skull directly into the neuron pools of the targeted brain region. This painless and non-invasive method of deep brain stimulation is unparalleled by any other device in the world.

depression treatment rtms machine Boulder, CO

rTMS In Clinical Research

Increasing Brain Activity & Neuroplasticity

The treatment of fatigue by non-invasive brain stimulation.

Cerebellum-mediated trainability of eye and head movements for dynamic gazing with rTMS.

Effects of Low Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on Gamma Frequency Oscillations and Event-Related Potentials During Processing of Illusory Figures in Autism

Low-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) Affects Event-Related Potential Measures of Novelty Processing in Autism

Transcranial magnetic stimulation provides means to assess cortical plasticity and excitability in humans with fragile X syndrome and autism spectrum disorder

Non-invasive Brain Stimulation in the Treatment of Post-stroke and Neurodegenerative Aphasia: Parallels, Differences, and Lessons Learned

The treatment of fatigue by non-invasive brain stimulation.Role of the Human Medial Frontal Cortex in Task Switching: A Combined fMRI and TMS Study

Transient Storage of a Tactile Memory Trace in Primary Somatosensory Cortex

rTMS: Updates in the Treatment of Spasticity Associated With Cerebral Palsy

Interhemispheric Balance in Parkinson’s Disease: A Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Study

Neurodegenerative Disorders

Cognitive Training and Noninvasive Brain Stimulation for Cognition in Parkinson’s Disease: A Meta-analysis

Effectiveness of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with depression and Parkinson’s disease: a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials

Using non-invasive transcranial stimulation to improve motor and cognitive function in Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Follow up study: The influence of rTMS with high and low frequency stimulation on motor and executive function in Parkinson’s disease.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with cognitive training for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease with Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Cognitive Training: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as an Alternative Therapy for Cognitive Impairment in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Meta-Analysis

Effects of noninvasive brain stimulation on cognitive function in healthy aging and Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Adults with cerebral palsy: a workshop to define the challenges of treating and preventing secondary musculoskeletal and neuromuscular complications in this rapidly growing population

Out of network for insurance coverage?
No problem.

Out of network for insurance coverage? No problem.

Our passion is helping those with brain injuries restore quality of life, so we are happy to accept CareCredit, which allows many of our patients to take advantage of a no-interest payment plan.

Our passion is helping those with brain injuries restore quality of life, so we are happy to accept CareCredit, which allows many of our patients to take advantage of a no-interest payment plan.