Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an effective way to treat PD (Parkinson’s disease). This is a progressive disease. It results from decreasing dopamine production in the brain. TMS is a primary treatment for depression. But it can also treat PD. If you want to know how TMS works for Parkinson’s, here are the details.
What Parkinson’s disease is
The degradation of dopamine-producing cells results in the degradation of the nerves. This results in symptoms, such as tremors. The symptoms of PD include depression. Standard treatments involve the use of medications. The treatment aims to slow down or even stop the degradation of the nerves. But taking these medications leads to complications after five years.
Many people with PD do not want complications like mobility changes. That is why new alternative treatments are springing up. One of them is transcranial magnetic stimulation. This method is gaining popularity as a possible form of Parkinson’s therapy.
TMS as a therapy for PD
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive method of activating the brain’s cortex. This technology can treat many populations with movement or mood disorders. It has conductive wires wrapped into a circular coil. The coil is then encased in hard plastic.
This then conducts the electromagnetic energy. The energy passes through the skull and scalp. Neurons inside the cortex are conductive. Transcranial magnetic stimulation can excite the cortex. This allows the psychiatrist to examine the brain regions. It can also show the interactions happening in them.
Cognitive benefits of TMS
PD degenerates the nerves. This affects the individual’s motor skills as a result of dopamine deficiency. The patient may experience depression and cognition problems. Impaired cognition can start during the early stages of PD. This increases the patient’s risk for dementia.
High-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation in Parkinson’s patients can improve their attention span. It can also enhance their ability to multi-task. A psychiatrist can provide this therapy for improving the patient’s depression. TMS can improve cognition in these patients for about one month. It can result in short-term improvements in focus and cognitive performance.
Motor benefits of TMS
This therapy can leave a positive effect on motor functioning. It improves the patient’s hand function and manner of walking. Doctors can also recommend transcranial magnetic stimulation for the management of motor symptoms. Being on this treatment can lighten the patient’s financial load and drug dosage intake.
Research shows that TMS patients are capable of performing aerobics. TMS and aerobics produce BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) in the brain. BDNF protein prevents neuron death. It promotes neuron growth and tends to fight PD.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation can help improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
Dopamine production in the brain goes down, resulting in PD. Tremors and moving difficulties are common among individuals with this condition. Depression can also affect patients with this disease. Your psychiatrist can recommend TMS. This therapy can target specific areas of the brain. TMS can help people improve motor and cognitive skills.
Request an appointment or call Evolve Psychiatry at 631-773-1096 for an appointment in our Massapequa office.
Recent Posts
Looking for information on transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)? Read on to learn about this alternative therapy for depression. Finding an effective treatment for depression is often challenging. Sometimes, medication or psychotherapy is not enough to address depression symptoms. When antidepressants are not effective, TMS therapy, a non-drug treatment, may be a viable option.Antidepressants function by…
Going through TMS therapy is an alternative way to relieve the symptoms of your severe depression. Your psychiatrist can also recommend this treatment for other issues. This approach is non-invasive. Even so, you may still experience some short-term side effects. If you want to find out what the common TMS side effects are, here are…
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) involves using magnetic fields to stimulate the nerve cells in the brain and increase activity. The Food and Drug Administration has approved TMS as a treatment for depression. It can also be used to treat mental health disorders like anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.The treatment is also known as repetitive transcranial magnetic…