Information for assistants of repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an exciting new technology being used in psychiatric and neurological research in many centres around the world. rTMS has been accepted as a routine treatment of depression in Canada and Israel. To this point, it has been exclusively conducted by medical officers. As knowledge and experience grows, it is probable that professionals with other backgrounds will have the opportunity to play a role. The aim of this paper is to provide information that will be valuable to assistants. Electromagnetic principles are harnessed to deliver electric currents to localized regions of the cortex. rTMS does not involve anaesthesia or seizure. Side-effects appear to be few. Much remains uncertain, however, even including the most appropriate treatment parameters.
Pridmore
Saxby
S
Department of Psychological Medicine, Royal Hobart Hospital, Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Tasmania, GPO Box 1061 L, Hobart 7001, Tasmania, Australia. s.pridmore@utas.edu.au
Khan
Umeed
U
Rosa
Moacyr A
MA
George
Mark S
MS
D002983:Clinical Competence; D000075202:Contraindications; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D055590:Electromagnetic Phenomena / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D050781:Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*