Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Mechanisms, Applications, and Efficacy

Abstract

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique used primarily to treat neurological and psychiatric disorders. It involves the application of a magnetic field to stimulate specific areas of the brain. This technique has gained significant attention for its therapeutic potential, particularly in treating major depressive disorder (MDD), where it has shown efficacy in patients who do not respond to conventional treatments. TMS generates magnetic pulses that induce electric currents in targeted brain regions, modulating neuronal activity. The procedure is typically outpatient, with sessions lasting about 20-40 minutes over several weeks. TMS is generally safe, with common side effects being mild and transient, such as headache or scalp discomfort.