Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)

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.