Medical Center MEDICA 2005
Affiliates Sofia, Vidin and
MC Academica 2008 - Pleven
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a completely non-invasive treatment that stimulates brain cells in a specific area of the brain.
Short and precisely focused magnetic pulses stimulate specific areas of the brain – the left prefrontal cortex (PFC) to treat major depression. Magnetic pulses that pass through the brain have an excitatory effect on the left PFC, causing brain activity. This induces a significant improvement in positive mood regulation and executive functions of the PFC.
Yes. It is compatible. If necessary, the intake of antidepressants can be continued during the stimulations. The combination of TMS and psychological therapy has shown better results than either alone.
Yes. TMS is a non-invasive procedure, meaning that no needles or anesthetics are required to perform it. According to NICE TMS treatment carries minimal risk and is safe to treat mental illness.
TMS treatment can completely change the quality of life of patients suffering from severe depression. After TMS, patients report relief of emotional symptoms, improvement in mood, motivation and confidence, as well as appetite, body aches and lack of energy.
Minimal scalp irritation and mild headache were reported by almost half of all patients, which disappeared completely after the first week of treatment. If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, standard analgesic treatment can be switched. If, however, symptoms persist, the treating specialist may reduce the intensity of the magnetic field. The more than 10,000 treatment procedures performed during the clinical trials showed no long-term side effects caused by TMS.
A variety of therapeutic protocols exist, each with proven clinical efficacy and safety. During the initial consultation, the most appropriate protocol will be discussed and suggested.