Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive form of brain stimulation in which a changing magnetic field is used to cause electric current at a specific area of the brain through electromagnetic induction. An electric pulse generator, or stimulator, is connected to a magnetic coil, which in turn is connected to the scalp. The stimulator generates a changing electric current within the coil which induces a magnetic field; this field then causes a second inductance of inverted electric charge within the brain itself.[1]:3[2]

TMS has shown diagnostic and therapeutic potential in the central nervous system with a wide variety of disease states in neurology and mental health, with research still evolving.[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]

Adverse effects of TMS are rare, and include fainting and seizure.[11] Other potential issues include discomfort, pain, hypomania, cognitive change, hearing loss, and inadvertent current induction in implanted devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators.[11]

TMS is non-invasive, and does not require surgery or electrode implantation. Its use can be divided into diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Effects vary based on frequency and intensity of the magnetic pulses as well as the length of the train, which affects the total number of pulses given.[citation needed] TMS treatments are now approved by the FDA in the USA and by NICE in the UK for the treatment of depression and are predominantly provided by private clinics.

TMS can be used clinically to measure activity and function of specific brain circuits in humans, most commonly with single or paired magnetic pulses.[3] The most widely accepted use is in measuring the connection between the primary motor cortex of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system to evaluate damage related to past or progressive neurologic insult.[3][13][14][15]

Repetitive high frequency TMS (rTMS) has shown diagnostic and therapeutic potential with the central nervous system in a variety of disease states, particularly in the fields of neurology and mental health.[3][4][5][7][8][9][10]

Although TMS is generally regarded as safe, risks are increased for therapeutic rTMS compared to single or paired diagnostic TMS.[16] Adverse effects generally increase with higher frequency stimulation.[11]

The greatest immediate risk from TMS is fainting, though this is uncommon. Seizures have been reported, but are rare.[11][17][18] Other adverse effects include short term discomfort, pain, brief episodes of hypomania, cognitive change, hearing loss, impaired working memory, and the induction of electrical currents in implanted devices such as cardiac pacemakers.[11]

During the procedure, a magnetic coil is positioned at the head of the person receiving the treatment using anatomical landmarks on the skull, in particular the inion and nasion.[12] The coil is then connected to a pulse generator, or stimulator, that delivers electric current to the coil.[2]

TMS uses electromagnetic induction to generate an electric current across the scalp and skull.[19][20] A plastic-enclosed coil of wire is held next to the skull and when activated, produces a magnetic field oriented orthogonal to the plane of the coil. The magnetic field can then be directed to induce an inverted electric current in the brain that activates nearby nerve cells in a manner similar to a current applied superficially at the cortical surface.[21]

The magnetic field is about the same strength as an MRI, and the pulse generally reaches no more than 5 centimeters into the brain, unless using a modified coil and technique for deeper stimulation.[20]

From the BiotSavart law,

it has been shown that a current through a wire generates a magnetic field around that wire. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is achieved by quickly discharging current from a large capacitor into a coil to produce pulsed magnetic fields between 2 and 3 Tesla in strength.[22] Directing the magnetic field pulse at a targeted area in the brain causes a localized electrical current which can then either depolarize or hyperpolarize neurons at that site. The magnetic flux generated by the current causes its own electric field, as explained by the Maxwell-Faraday equation,

This electric field causes a change in transmembrane currents resulting in depolarization or hyperpolarization of neurons, causing them to be more or less excitable, respectively.[22]

Deep TMS can reach up to 6cm into the brain to stimulate deeper layers of the motor cortex, such as that which controls leg motion. The path of this current can be difficult to model because the brain is irregularly shaped with variable internal density and water content, leading to a nonuniform magnetic field strength and conduction throughout its tissues.[23]

The effects of TMS can be divided based on frequency, duration and intensity (amplitude) of stimulation:[24]

Most devices use a coil shaped like a figure-eight to deliver a shallow magnetic field that affects more superficial neurons in the brain.[28] Differences in magnetic coil design should be considered when comparing results, with important elements including the type of material, geometry and specific characteristics of the associated magnetic pulse.

The core material may be either a magnetically inert substrate ('air core'), or a solid, ferromagnetically active material ('solid core'). Solid cores result in more efficient transfer of electrical energy to a magnetic field and reduce energy loss to heat, and so can be operated with the higher volume of therapy protocols without interruption due to overheating. Varying the geometric shape of the coil itself can cause variations in focality, shape, and depth of penetration. Differences in coil material and its power supply also affect magnetic pulse width and duration.[29]

A number of different types of coils exist, each of which produce different magnetic fields. The round coil is the original used in TMS. Later, the figure-eight (butterfly) coil was developed to provide a more focal pattern of activation in the brain, and the four-leaf coil for focal stimulation of peripheral nerves. The double-cone coil conforms more to the shape of the head.[30] The Hesed (H-core), circular crown and double cone coils allow more widespread activation and a deeper magnetic penetration. They are supposed to impact deeper areas in the motor cortex and cerebellum controlling the legs and pelvic floor, for example, though the increased depth comes at the cost of a less focused magnetic pulse.[11]

Luigi Galvani (1737-1798) undertook research on the effects of electricity on the body in the late-eighteenth century and laid the foundations for the field of electrophysiology.[31] In the 1830s Michael Faraday (1791-1867) discovered that an electrical current had a corresponding magnetic field, and that changing one could induce its counterpart.[32]

Work to directly stimulate the human brain with electricity started in the late 1800s, and by the 1930s the Italian physicians Cerletti and Bini had developed electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).[31] ECT became widely used to treat mental illness, and ultimately overused, as it began to be seen as a panacea. This led to a backlash in the 1970s.[31]

In 1980 Merton and Morton successfully used transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) to stimulate the motor cortex. However, this process was very uncomfortable, and subsequently Anthony T. Barker began to search for an alternative to TES.[33] He began exploring the use of magnetic fields to alter electrical signaling within the brain, and the first stable TMS devices were developed in 1985.[31][32] They were originally intended[by whom?] as diagnostic and research devices, with evaluation of their therapeutic potential being a later development.[31][32] The United States' FDA first approved TMS devices in October 2008.[31]

TMS has shown potential with neurologic conditions such as Alzheimer's disease,[4] amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,[4][34] persistent vegetative states,[4] epilepsy,[4][35] stroke related disability,[4][11][14][15][36][37] tinnitus,[4][38] multiple sclerosis,[4] schizophrenia,[4][10] and traumatic brain injury.[39]

With Parkinson's disease, early results suggest that low frequency stimulation may have an effect on medication associated dyskinesia, and that high frequency stimulation improves motor function.[40] The most effective treatment protocols appear to involve high frequency stimulation of the motor cortex, particularly on the dominant side,[41] but with more variable results for treatment of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.[42] It is less effective than electroconvulsive therapy for motor symptoms, though both appear to have utility.[43][44][45] Cerebellar stimulation has also shown potential for the treatment of levodopa associated dyskinesia.[46]

In psychiatry, it has shown potential with anxiety disorders, including panic disorder[47] and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).[4] The most promising areas to target for OCD appear to be the orbitofrontal cortex and the supplementary motor area.[48] Older protocols that targeted the prefrontal dorsal cortex were less successful.[49] It has also been studied with autism,[50] substance abuse,[4] addiction,[4][51] and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).[4] For treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, high-frequency (HF) rTMS of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) appears effective and low-frequency (LF) rTMS of the right DLPFC has probable efficacy.[4][5][7][8][9]

TMS can also be used to map functional connectivity between the cerebellum and other areas of the brain.[52]

Mimicking the physical discomfort of rTMS with placebo to discern its true effect is a challenging issue in research.[4][11][53][54] It is difficult to establish a convincing placebo for TMS during controlled trials in conscious individuals due to the neck pain, headache and twitching in the scalp or upper face associated with the intervention.[4][11] In addition, placebo manipulations can affect brain sugar metabolism and MEPs, which may confound results.[55] This problem is exacerbated when using subjective measures of improvement.[11] Placebo responses in trials of rTMS in major depression are negatively associated with refractoriness to treatment.[56]

A 2011 review found that most studies did not report unblinding. In the minority that did, participants in real and sham rTMS groups were not significantly different in their ability to correctly guess their therapy, though there was a trend for participants in the real group to more often guess correctly.[57]

TMS research in animal studies is limited due to its early FDA approval for treatment-resistant depression, limiting development of animal specific magnetic coils.[58]

Nexstim obtained 510(k) FDA clearance for the assessment of the primary motor cortex for pre-procedural planning in December 2009[59] and for neurosurgical planning in June 2011.[60]

In 2008, the US Food and Drug Administration authorized the use of rTMS as a treatment for depression that has not improved with other measures.[61][62] A number of deep TMS have received FDA 510k clearance to market for use in adults with treatment resistant major depressive disorders.[63][64][65][66][67] The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists has endorsed rTMS for treatment resistant major depressive disorder (MDD).[68]

The use of single-pulse TMS was approved by the FDA for treatment of migraines in December 2013.[69] It is approved as a Class II medical device under the "de novo pathway".[70][71]

In the European Economic Area, various versions of Deep TMS H-coils have CE marking for Alzheimer's disease,[72] autism,[72] bipolar disorder,[73] epilepsy [74] chronic pain[73] major depressive disorder[73] Parkinson's disease,[41][75] posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD),[73] schizophrenia (negative symptoms)[73] and to aid smoking cessation.[72] One review found tentative benefit for cognitive enhancement in healthy people.[76]

In August 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration authorized the use of TMS in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).[77]

In 2013, several commercial health insurance plans in the United States, including Anthem, Health Net, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska and of Rhode Island, covered TMS for the treatment of depression for the first time.[78][79][80][81] In contrast, UnitedHealthcare issued a medical policy for TMS in 2013 that stated there is insufficient evidence that the procedure is beneficial for health outcomes in patients with depression. UnitedHealthcare noted that methodological concerns raised about the scientific evidence studying TMS for depression include small sample size, lack of a validated sham comparison in randomized controlled studies, and variable uses of outcome measures.[82] Other commercial insurance plans whose 2013 medical coverage policies stated that the role of TMS in the treatment of depression and other disorders had not been clearly established or remained investigational included Aetna, Cigna and Regence.[83][84][85]

Policies for Medicare coverage vary among local jurisdictions within the Medicare system,[86] and Medicare coverage for TMS has varied among jurisdictions and with time. For example:

The United Kingdom's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issues guidance to the National Health Service (NHS) in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. NICE guidance does not cover whether or not the NHS should fund a procedure. Local NHS bodies (primary care trusts and hospital trusts) make decisions about funding after considering the clinical effectiveness of the procedure and whether the procedure represents value for money for the NHS.[94]

NICE evaluated TMS for severe depression (IPG 242) in 2007, and subsequently considered TMS for reassessment in January 2011 but did not change its evaluation.[95] The Institute found that TMS is safe, but there is insufficient evidence for its efficacy.[95]

In January 2014, NICE reported the results of an evaluation of TMS for treating and preventing migraine (IPG 477). NICE found that short-term TMS is safe but there is insufficient evidence to evaluate safety for long-term and frequent uses. It found that evidence on the efficacy of TMS for the treatment of migraine is limited in quantity, that evidence for the prevention of migraine is limited in both quality and quantity.[96]

Subsequently, in 2015, NICE approved the use of TMS for the treatment of depression in the UK and IPG542 replaced IPG242.[97] NICE said "The evidence on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression shows no major safety concerns. The evidence on its efficacy in the short-term is adequate, although the clinical response is variable. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression may be used with normal arrangements for clinical governance and audit."

A single TMS session for depressive disorders averages US$350. A full course of treatment could cost between US$6,000 and US$12,000, depending on the number of treatments.[98][26]

Manufacturers of the devices include Brainsway, Deymed, MagVenture, Mag&More, Magstim, Nexstim, Neuronetics, Neurosoft.[citation needed] Current UK providers include a few NHS Trusts and a private operator, Smart TMS. In Cyprus FDA approved treatments for depression and OCD are provided by Cyprus rTMS [99].Also the Cyprus Technological University uses rTMS in research [100]

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