What is the Difference Between TMS and TPS?
TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, stimulates nerve cells in the brain to alleviate depression symptoms. Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy is usually applied when other types of treatments are not effective. The main purpose of this procedure is to give the brain repeated magnetic signals. As a result, this process is called repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation. The repeated magnetic signals applied in TMS are sent to the person’s skull without causing pain. Cells are stimulated to strengthen communication between different areas of the brain. It is actually known how TMS works. However, it is understood that this application creates relaxation and lightness in the person. The magnetic waves sent to the brain in transcranial magnetic stimulation are not very different from those of an MRI health device. It is possible to say that TMS, which has the same power, is safe. Additionally, as is known, TMS does not create any side effects in the person and does not cause loss of consciousness.
TMS is used in many types of diseases. It is usually used when drug treatment is not effective or when drug treatment creates too many side effects. The treatable diseases in which TMS is effective are as follows:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Anxiety
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neuropathic Pain and Fibromyalgia
- Panic Disorder
TMS therapy is effective in psychiatric disorders, as stated. Generally, transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy has many benefits with very few side effects, and the most common side effect is headache. Anaesthesia is not required during the treatment, and the patient can remain standing without being sedated. Typically, a treatment period of 2 to 5 weeks is recommended for the patient. However, the correct treatment method recommended by doctors in healthcare facilities should be followed.
While there is no direct intervention in the body structure, it is applied when medication is not effective or causes too many side effects. However, depending on the patient’s condition and the specific situation determined by doctors, the process may vary.
In addition, individuals considering this treatment who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should go through a detailed process with doctors. If the patient has an implant in their body, a different process will be followed.
Furthermore, a patient receiving transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy does not need to discontinue any other treatments they are currently taking. If the patient is taking a medication supplement during this time, they do not need to stop taking it. In fact, these additional treatments contribute to TMS therapy.
However, in such cases, the hospitalization period may be longer, and patience is required. Nonetheless, transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy reduces the length of hospitalization and provides benefits.
TPS, or transcranial pulse stimulation, stimulates the designated area of the brain and ensures that the magnetic signals reach the correct area. This new type of therapy involves reaching the patient’s skull. Transcranial pulse stimulation therapy should be learned in detail and applied. This therapy method is similar to another type of therapy called shockwave therapy. In addition, transcranial pulse stimulation creates short and frequent waves in the brain without radiation, making it an effective and reliable therapy.
The treatment area of TPS, which has very few canters worldwide, is especially mild to moderately advanced Alzheimer’s disease. This treatment method, which is highly effective in Alzheimer’s disease, plays an important role in resolving memory problems. Transcranial pulse stimulation affects the following:
- It accelerates blood flow in the brain.
- It promotes the formation of new vessels in the brain and also helps to renew nerve cells.
- It helps to strengthen and reconnect the connections between nerve cells.
- It assists in the formation of new brain cells in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.
- It helps to release nitric oxide in the brain. Nitric oxide is naturally produced by the body and helps to widen blood vessels and stimulate the release of growth hormone.
- In addition, it also has an effect on diabetes.
TPS is generally applied to Alzheimer’s patients. This method helps to improve speaking skills, develop vocabulary, and alleviate depressive moods. In addition, it has a positive effect on manual dexterity in the field of mental and occupational therapy. Also, a specific area of the brain that is affected and beginning to shrink is targeted.
Intense magnetic signals are sent to the targeted area, which has a significant effect. This treatment can be carried out in a clinical environment and lasts approximately one hour, ranging from 3 to 5 weeks. Of course, it is advisable to have this procedure performed under the supervision of a doctor.
Furthermore, there are no known side effects of transcranial pulse stimulation. Patients can continue their daily lives immediately after treatment. However, this situation varies from person to person and can cause some people to experience headaches and a sense of heaviness. However, these effects are observed to disappear within approximately 30 minutes.
The differences between TMS and TPS are as follows:
- One of the most significant differences between Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) is the energy that is transmitted. TMS uses magnetic fields to affect the brain, while TPS applies a high-frequency acoustic pulse method.
- Another known difference is that the energy flow emitted by TMS, which triggers the firing of neurons, constantly changes. The firing rate of triggered neurons increases, leading to a response.
- In contrast, TPS does not cause the firing of neurons. Cells move slightly in the areas where magnetic waves pass, and the permeability of existing molecules is temporarily increased. Additionally, TPS triggers the production of growth hormone and other chemicals. This triggering also leads to an increase in blood flow rate.
- When using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, a minimal amount of tissue heating occurs. Since this tissue heating is below one degree, it cannot harm brain tissue. However, it would still not be correct to ignore this during treatment.
- In the case of Transcranial Pulse Stimulation, the resulting heating is normal, and there is no cause for concern. It is not possible to measure the resulting heat. However, it does not cause any problems for the patient.
- The depth of TMS treatment depends on the depth of the magnetic field around the device when aligned with the skull. The maximum magnetic depth is 5 cm. Additionally, this type of treatment, called Deep TMS, which is less commonly used, can reach deeper depths of the brain. Since an area within the magnetic field will be significantly affected, the treatment area will naturally expand.
- TPS can reach a slightly deeper depth of around 8 cm. It is similar to shockwave therapy, and the wave power in TPS is quite effective during the treatment process. For these reasons, a point in the brain should be targeted with millimetric adjustment. Proper focus should be achieved through millimetric adjustment, and contact with surrounding tissues should be avoided.
All of this information provided explains the significant differences between TMS and TPS therapy. As long as patients receiving TMS or TPS treatment are under the supervision of healthcare professionals, there should be no issues.
