TP HCMTranscranial magnetic stimulation technique uses electromagnetic waves, creating a magnetic field that passes through the skull, affecting the cerebral cortex like “massaging” for the patient.
On April 5, Dr. Nguyen Phuong Trang, Department of Neurology, Center for Neuroscience, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said the above information, adding that the mechanism of action of this technique is to use Electrical waves of 3000-8000 amperes create a strong enough magnetic field (2-3 tesla) capable of penetrating the skull at certain locations. From there, it affects the corresponding brain area like a brain “massage”, bringing effective treatment to the patient.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is non-invasive, safe, and painless. The magnetic field when applied to the brain creates a secondary electric current inside the cortical neurons. This electric current stimulates nerve cells and changes nerve electrical function in that brain area.
Tam Anh General Hospital began applying transcranial magnetic stimulation about a year ago. In Vietnam, some hospitals have also implemented this technique. In recent times, many patients have been successfully treated with this method.
Like Ms. Oanh, 38 years old, for the past two years, she has had severe migraines, with a frequency of about 8-10 times per month. The patient is moody, slow, withdrawn, does not want to meet anyone, is sensitive to light and sound, leading to anxiety disorders and depression.
She often felt useless, thought about death, was treated with medicine but the disease did not improve, so she went to Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City for examination.
Doctor Trang said that Ms. Oanh’s migraine was severe and long lasting, and prescribed treatment with transcranial magnetic stimulation technique.
Before treatment, the doctor determines the location and intensity of impact on the brain based on the location in the motor cortex. From this target position, the doctor evaluates and determines the best position to position the stimulation device, and chooses the appropriate intensity for each patient to achieve optimal effectiveness.
The device was placed on the head near Ms. Oanh’s temple. The patient sits on a cushioned chair, leaning back comfortably. When the machine turns on, he hears a clicking sound as if he feels a light tap on the head area. Magnetic pulses stimulate nerve cells in brain areas related to headaches and the patient’s mood.
Treatment with transcranial magnetic stimulation at Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City. Illustration: Hospital provided
Ms. Oanh’s condition is severe so she is treated 5 times a week, lasting 8 weeks, each time about 30 minutes. Patients do not need to be hospitalized, after each treatment they can go home and return to normal daily activities.
After two months of treatment, Ms. Oanh’s migraines, anxiety disorders, and depression were controlled, with headaches and insomnia completely reduced.
“I quit most of the painkillers I used. Life has changed a lot and is happier,” Ms. Oanh said.
Dr. Trang said the average response time when treated with transcranial magnetic stimulation ranges from three months to more than a year. Patients can be re-examined and treated further if the disease shows signs of recurrence.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is currently being applied to non-invasively treat many neurological diseases such as headaches, pain due to shingles, insomnia, tinnitus, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. mechanism. This technique also aims to support post-stroke rehabilitation, effectively diagnose spinal cord injuries, monitor and evaluate stroke sequelae and other neurological diseases.
Cases with contraindications or limitations and considerations when treating with transcranial magnetic stimulation include people with cochlear implants, and bodies with implanted electrical devices (pacemakers, defibrillators). heart implants, intracardiac lines, drug pumps), people with head or neck tattoos using ferromagnetic ink.