Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)

Filed in All, Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on January 25, 2010 with no comments

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation was approved by the FDA in October 2008 for patients with major depression who have failed one prior antidepressant trial.

Stimulation of the brain is accomplished by a pulsed magnetic field that is passed through a coil of wire encased in plastic and held close to the head. This magnetic field penetrates the scalp and skull. The stimulation is made at regular intervals, thus the term “repetitive” TMS.

treatmentIn studies, rTMS appears to change brain activity beyond the duration of the actual procedure. Also, the procedure differs from Electroconvulsive Treatment (ECT) in that it stimulates the brain in a focal manner, thereby preventing the grand mal seizure and minimizing the transitory memory loss associated with ECT.

rTMS is performed on an outpatient basis, with a course of 20-30 treatments, each lasting approximately 40 minutes, and delivering 3,000 pulses. The most common reported side effect is mild headache. The cost per 40 minute session: approximately $400. Ouch!

Joseph Wegmann, R.Ph., LCSW is a licensed clinical pharmacist and a clinical social worker with more than thirty years of experience in the field of psychopharmacology. His diverse professional background in psychopharmacology and counseling affords him a unique perspective on medication management issues. In addition to consulting with numerous psychiatric facilities, he has presented psychopharmacology seminars to thousands of clinicians in 46 states. Joe has also served as a Clinical Director of Pharmacy Services at a major metropolitan area hospital and as a Regional Director of Hospital Services for Premier Healthcare Corporation. He has served as Adjunct Professor of Psychopharmacology in the graduate School of Social Work at Southern University of New Orleans for 16 years and maintains an active psychotherapy practice specializing in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Joe is the author of Psychopharmacology: Straight Talk on Mental Health Medications, published by PESI, Inc.

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