Transcranial magnetic stimulation

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) uses brief magnetic pulses from a coil placed against the scalp to induce electrical currents in targeted brain tissue. Repeated stimulation can alter neural activity beyond the pulse itself.

Electromagnetic induction: The production of voltage or electric current by a changing magnetic field. A rapidly changing coil current induces the electric field that drives TMS effects.
Major depressive disorder: A mood disorder marked by persistent depressed mood or loss of interest and other symptoms that impair functioning. TMS is an established treatment option for some people whose depression has not improved with other therapies.
Electroconvulsive therapy: A treatment that induces a controlled seizure using electrical stimulation under general anesthesia. Both can treat severe depression, but ECT induces a seizure and requires anesthesia.
Neuroplasticity: The nervous system's capacity to change its structure or function in response to experience or activity. Persistent TMS effects are often interpreted as plastic changes, but their mechanisms remain under study.
Magnetic coil: A shaped conductor that generates a magnetic field when electric current passes through it. Its geometry determines where TMS fields are strongest and how deeply they reach.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder: A disorder involving recurrent intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors or mental acts. Some TMS protocols are cleared for OCD, with targets and evidence differing from depression treatment.
Transcranial direct-current stimulation: A noninvasive technique that applies weak direct electrical current through scalp electrodes. It uses scalp electrodes and weaker direct current rather than magnetic pulses.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging: A neuroimaging method that estimates brain activity through changes in blood oxygenation. It helps researchers examine how stimulating one site changes activity in connected brain networks.
Electric field: A physical field that exerts force on electric charges. TMS-induced electric fields depolarize neural membranes and influence firing.
Smoking cessation: The process of stopping tobacco use and sustaining abstinence. TMS has been authorized in some settings to help reduce smoking cravings.

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