TMS Coil Specialized for OCD
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive neurostimulation technique used in the treatment of various neuropsychiatric disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). TMS involves delivering focused magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain to modulate neural activity.
At Kairos Wellness Collective, we use a specialized TMS coil to target brain regions associated with OCD symptoms.
There are two main types of TMS coils used in the treatment of OCD: the figure-eight coil and the H-coil.
Figure-Eight Coil: The figure-eight coil is the most commonly used TMS coil. It consists of two magnetic coils arranged in a figure-eight shape. This coil is used to deliver repetitive TMS (rTMS) pulses to the targeted brain area.
In the context of OCD treatment, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is often targeted, as this region is believed to play a role in OCD symptoms.
The TMS pulses generated by the figure-eight coil induce small electrical currents in the brain tissue beneath the coil. These currents can lead to changes in neural activity and connectivity, which is thought to help normalize the abnormal brain circuits associated with OCD.
H-Coil: The H-coil is another type of TMS coil used for more focused and deeper stimulation. At Kairos Wellness Collective, we use an H-coil. It has a design that allows for more precise targeting of brain regions compared to the figure-eight coil. The H-coil is often used when targeting deeper brain structures that may be relevant to OCD, such as the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC).
The exact mechanism of how TMS exerts its therapeutic effects in OCD is not fully understood. However, it is believed that TMS can modulate the activity of neural circuits involved in OCD symptoms, helping to rebalance aberrant brain connectivity.
TMS is thought to have both immediate effects on neural activity and longer-lasting effects through neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to reorganize itself based on experience.
During a TMS session, the patient sits in a comfortable chair, and the TMS coil is placed over the targeted brain region. Short bursts of magnetic pulses are delivered through the coil to the underlying brain tissue.
These pulses induce electrical currents that activate or inhibit neurons, depending on the stimulation parameters.
Over a course of multiple sessions, TMS is thought to induce changes in brain activity that can lead to symptom reduction in OCD and other disorders.
It's important to note that TMS treatment for OCD is typically administered under the guidance of a qualified medical professional and in conjunction with other treatment approaches, such as psychotherapy and medication.
Please contact Kairos Wellness Collective today for more information about TMS.