Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Treat Parkinson’s Disease

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an effective way to treat PD (Parkinson’s disease). This is a progressive disease. It results from decreasing dopamine production in the brain. TMS is a primary treatment for depression. But it can also treat PD. If you want to know how TMS works for Parkinson’s, here are the details.

What Parkinson’s disease is

The degradation of dopamine-producing cells results in the degradation of the nerves. This results in symptoms, such as tremors. The symptoms of PD include depression. Standard treatments involve the use of medications. The treatment aims to slow down or even stop the degradation of the nerves. But taking these medications leads to complications after five years.

Many people with PD do not want complications like mobility changes. That is why new alternative treatments are springing up. One of them is transcranial magnetic stimulation. This method is gaining popularity as a possible form of Parkinson’s therapy.

TMS as a therapy for PD

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive method of activating the brain’s cortex. This technology can treat many populations with movement or mood disorders. It has conductive wires wrapped into a circular coil. The coil is then encased in hard plastic.

This then conducts the electromagnetic energy. The energy passes through the skull and scalp. Neurons inside the cortex are conductive. Transcranial magnetic stimulation can excite the cortex. This allows the psychiatrist to examine the brain regions. It can also show the interactions happening in them.

Cognitive benefits of TMS

PD degenerates the nerves. This affects the individual’s motor skills as a result of dopamine deficiency. The patient may experience depression and cognition problems. Impaired cognition can start during the early stages of PD. This increases the patient’s risk for dementia.

High-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation in Parkinson’s patients can improve their attention span. It can also enhance their ability to multi-task. A psychiatrist can provide this therapy for improving the patient’s depression. TMS can improve cognition in these patients for about one month. It can result in short-term improvements in focus and cognitive performance.

Motor benefits of TMS

This therapy can leave a positive effect on motor functioning. It improves the patient’s hand function and manner of walking. Doctors can also recommend transcranial magnetic stimulation for the management of motor symptoms. Being on this treatment can lighten the patient’s financial load and drug dosage intake.

Research shows that TMS patients are capable of performing aerobics. TMS and aerobics produce BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) in the brain. BDNF protein prevents neuron death. It promotes neuron growth and tends to fight PD.