rTMS in the field of chronic pain and neurological diseases
rTMS is a safe, non-invasive technique that has been shown to be effective in a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders. It involves the application of magnetic fields to stimulate specific regions of the brain associated with these conditions, thereby regulating the disturbed neuronal circuits.
rTMS has been shown to reduce pain intensity and improve physical function, providing lasting relief without dependence on medication. It is increasingly used to treat chronic pain, particularly when conventional treatments, such as medication, do not provide sufficient relief.
In the case of neurological diseases such as Parkinson's, stroke or migraine, studies have shown that rTMS can help reduce symptoms and improve patients' quality of life.
What is the principle of rTMS for Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is often associated with alterations in neuronal activity in certain regions of the brain. rTMS aims to normalise this activity by stimulating specific areas of the cerebral cortex, in particular the motor cortex and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Repeated stimulation of these areas produces an analgesic effect, reducing the perception of pain. This occurs via changes in synaptic plasticity and the regulation of neuronal pain pathways.
rTMS also influences the release of neurotransmitters such as endorphins, which are the brain's natural analgesics. It can modify the plasticity of the neuronal circuits involved in pain, thereby reducing the sensation of pain over the long term.
Some specific applications
Fibromyalgia: rTMS has shown promising results in reducing the pain associated with fibromyalgia, a syndrome characterised by widespread pain and hypersensitivity.
Neuropathic pain: This pain, caused by nerve damage, responds well to rTMS. Patients experience a reduction in pain after just a few sessions.
Post-stroke pain: After a stroke, some patients develop chronic pain that is difficult to treat. rTMS can help relieve this pain by modulating the affected brain circuits.
In conclusion:
rTMS represents an innovative therapeutic option for patients suffering from chronic pain that is resistant to conventional treatments. By modulating brain activity, it offers relief where other methods fail, and is becoming a valuable adjunct to chronic pain management.
rTMS in the field of depression
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive technique that has emerged as a promising treatment for psychiatric illnesses, particularly for disorders resistant to traditional pharmacological treatments.
It offers an effective alternative with fewer side effects and a significant improvement in quality of life.
What is the principle of rTMS in psychiatry?
rTMS works by modifying neuronal activity in specific regions of the brain that are often dysfunctional in various psychiatric illnesses. It uses magnetic pulses to stimulate or inhibit the activity of these regions, depending on the frequency and intensity of the pulses.
In psychiatry, rTMS mainly targets brain regions such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), which is involved in regulating mood, anxiety and cognitive functions.
Some specific applications
– Major depression rTMS is mainly used to treat major depression that is resistant to antidepressants. It has been approved by numerous health authorities, including the FDA in the United States.
By stimulating the CPFDL, rTMS restores normal activity in this region, which is often hypoactive in depressed patients, leading to a significant improvement in mood.
– Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) For OCD, rTMS often targets the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, a region involved in the control of repetitive behaviours and obsessive thoughts.
– Bipolar disorder rTMS can be used in bipolar patients, mainly to treat depressive episodes.
– Schizophrenia In patients with schizophrenia, rTMS has been used to reduce auditory hallucinations. It generally targets the left temporal cortex, an area that is often overactive in these patients.
In practice, how does an rTMS session work?
A typical rTMS treatment involves several sessions, often daily, over several weeks. The sessions are spaced out over the weeks depending on the patient's response to the treatment.
Sessions generally last 45 to 60 minutes. The patient is looked after by the Algologist or Neurologist and the Physical Physician.
For chronic pain and neuropathic diseases, the following sessions are combined with a revalidation session carried out by an occupational therapist.
Sessions for psychiatric disorders last around 30 minutes.
rTMS is generally well tolerated. Side effects are very limited, such as headaches, a feeling of fatigue or discomfort at the stimulation site.
This technique offers significant advantages, but results may vary depending on the individual characteristics of the patient.
"rTMS represents a significant advance in non-invasive treatments for various neurological disorders, chronic pain and psychiatric disorders. It offers a promising alternative for patients who do not respond to traditional treatments".