Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a Brain Stimulation Treatment that works by producing a series of Electromagnetic Pulses that interact with the Brains Electrical Circuit and is used to treat:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- OCD
- PTSD
- Chronic Pain
- Fibromyalgia
The treatment uses either low or high frequency TMS. Low results in reduced Brain activity and High increases Brain activity.
People with Fibromyalgia already have more activity in the right Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex of the Brain. This is associated with Chronic Pain and Sensory input and this is the area that TMS focuses on.
A low frequency would be used to calm the Electrical Signals and decrease blood flow in this area down – this allows the Brain to adjust and change itself changing old patterns of chronic pain to new ones of longer periods with less pain.
What to expect
TMS therapy is safe and pain-free, although you may experience some discomfort on the Scalp and possible Tension Headaches for the first 4-5 sessions, but this settles down as you get use to the treatment.
The treatment is carried out by a TMS doctor or technician on an outpatient basis needing no recovery time following the session.
At your first appointment you will be given a cloth cap to wear, and your head will be measured to determine where the area of the Brain is that the Magnetic coil needs to target. This will be marked on to the cap, they will also take other measurements to personalise the settings on the TMS machine. You may also be given Ear plugs to wear to minimise the clicking sound of the Magnetic Impulses which can be quite loud.
You will then be asked to sit or lay down and your doctor will then place the coil above the marked area at the front of your Brain and treatment will begin.
As the Magnetic Impulses are realised you will hear a clicking sound at one second intervals. Also, you may feel a tapping or knocking sensation beneath the Magnetic Coil, this is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.
Sessions last around 20-30 minutes. Usually 20 sessions are required to get the best results, but like everything with Fibromyalgia will depend on how you respond to the treatment.
Side effects, apart from what has already been mentioned when you start TMS, are few and far between – this therapy will either work or not work for you.
If it does work for you, then you have the added bonus of longer periods of pain relief without the need for medication.
Can TMS be used by everyone?
The answer to that is no.
Please be aware anyone with any of the following should not be receiving TMS:
- History of Seizures
- Head Injury
- Brain Surgery
- Any metal in the Head outside the Skull e.g., Shrapnel, Fragments, Surgical Clips
- Fitted with a Pacemaker
Conclusion
Currently there is no cure for Fibromyalgia.
Pain killers are not being offered so much to sufferers, as it has been found they do not always help and cause more problems in the long run. This limits what is available to manage the condition.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation has been used for over 25 years, is well researched and is effective at both reducing pain and improving quality of life, so offers an alternative root for those with Fibromyalgia to manage their pain.
The Link to our Research
https://www.topdoctors.co.uk/medical-articles/tms-for-fibromyalgia
https://www.floridatmsclinic.com/tms-therapy-fibromyalgia
https://www.healthline.com/health/tms-therapy
https://www.rtmslondon.com/what-is-tms/how-does-rtms-work/
The link to our Sources
The reason for using these Resources
Here you will learn what TMS is and how it can help with your condition.
You will learn what to expect at your session including any side effects you may experience
It will give you insight into an alternative treatment for managing your pain.