Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation rTMS is supported by numerous scientific societies worldwide as an effective approach for major depression. This service is covered by most insurance companies. The CHUM, the McGill University Health Centre, and the Quebec Mental Health University Institute offer it, but the waiting list is 8 to 12 months.
Neuroperforma, a leader in neuromodulation through neurofeedback, is pleased to announce that its repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) protocol is now available.
Sign up now to reserve your spot.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is a sophisticated neurotechnology that has been the subject of clinical research since 1985. In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration –FDA– approved it as a treatment for depression.
The last century has brought dazzling advances in the understanding of the brain and psychological health disorders.
At the beginning of the century, observation of depressive symptoms and their treatment using psychotherapy gave rise to psychotherapeutic types of treatments.
By mid-century, the discovery of the positive effects of certain drugs on mood gave rise to a view of biochemical imbalance in the brain as the cause of depression. Different drugs have been developed with the aims to improve brain activity of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. But given that the drug acts on the entire brain, including aspects of that already function normally, many side effects are often associated with them, such as cognitive decline, sleep disturbances, weight gain and loss of libido.
With the dazzling advances in neuroscience, an in-depth understanding of the brain and its neuroelectrical functioning has developed. Depression is now known as a disruption of the electrical circuit of mood which includes several regions of the brain.
Within the mood circuit, more evolved regions which normally control emotions and thoughts (in blue on the image), lose their power to act, giving free reign to negative emotions and ruminations (in red on the image).
With the creation of sophisticated neurotechnologies such as rTMS, it is now possible to stimulate specific regions of the brain that lack vigor and power of action, without modifying healthy regions of the brain. rTMS, in addition to being effective, is almost free of side effects.
rTMS activates specific brain regions that controls emotions in order to stay on track in a positive and constructive way.
Generally, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), which plays a key role in mood regulation, is involved in depression when it is not functioning properly.
The result is heightened emotionality, negative thoughts that loop and feelings of helplessness and despair. We feel sad, irritable, inferior, anxious and often trapped in this state of unhappiness.
rTMS restores balance through the impulses it sends, stimulating neural activity and enhancing communication between different brain regions, thereby helping to alleviate depressive symptoms.
rTMS stimulates neural activity through the impulses it sends, thereby promoting communication between various regions of the brain and contributing to the improvement of depressive symptoms.
The Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy (SAINT) protocol has demonstrated impressive effectiveness in treating treatment-resistant depression. A study conducted by Stanford University found that nearly 80% of participants achieved rapid remission after just five days of treatment. Another study reported a remission rate of 86.4% in an intention-to-treat analysis.
Here is a selection of relevant articles on the topic:
- Stanford Medicine News Center: Presents the results of a study on the effectiveness of the SAINT protocol.
- American Journal of Psychiatry: Details the methodologies and findings of an in-depth study on the SAINT protocol.
- Neurocare Group: Discusses the clinical applications and advancements of the SAINT protocol.
In light of the promising clinical results, we have chosen to offer our clients an intensive program inspired by the SAINT protocol developed at Stanford University. This protocol, known for its rapid effectiveness in treating treatment-resistant depression, allows us to provide an innovative, evidence-based approach—while keeping our clients’ well-being at the heart of everything we do.
TMS is very safe and has almost no side effects. The most common are localized discomfort during stimulation. Some people may also have headaches that may last for a few hours. Sometimes some people experience discomfort in the eyes, teeth or jaw which is relieved with painkillers. Rarely, anxiety or difficulty falling asleep may occur during the first treatments. rTMS may be considered by some to be noisy.
rTMS is normally well tolerated. Please note that people who wear a metallic or ferromagnetic item that cannot be removed and are brought within 30cm of the magnet may not be eligible for rTMS and should seek advice from the rTMS provider if they have one or other of these items:
- Implanted electrodes
- Stimulators
- Aneurysm clips
- Cochlear implants
- Metal fragment
- Epilepsy
- Add intracranial mass