Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): QIJIA Medical's Breakthrough in Treating Psychiatric and Neurological Disorders

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), particularly in its repetitive form (rTMS), represents a revolutionary non-invasive treatment option for a wide range of psychiatric and neurological disorders. Developed and refined by leading medical technology innovator QIJIA Medical, rTMS harnesses the power of magnetic fields to safely and effectively modulate brain activity. This blog explores the intricacies of rTMS, its applications in treating various conditions, and the crucial role of an interprofessional team in delivering optimal care.

Introduction to rTMS

TMS involves the application of high or low-intensity magnetic fields to stimulate brain tissue, thereby modulating cortical excitability. rTMS extends this principle by delivering a series of pulsed magnetic fields to specific brain regions. The neuromodulatory effects of rTMS are influenced by various parameters, including the frequency, intensity, duration, cortical target, number of sessions, and patient-specific factors such as age, disease state, medication use, and individual symptoms. High-frequency rTMS (>1 Hz) typically enhances cortical excitability, while low-frequency rTMS (<1 Hz) has a depressive effect.

The Science Behind rTMS

QIJIA Medical's rTMS devices utilize a large wire coil positioned close to the patient's scalp. Rapidly changing magnetic pulses generated by the coil induce an electric field that depolarizes the underlying brain region, resulting in neuromodulation. Research has shown that targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDPFC) with rTMS can yield significant benefits for patients with treatment-resistant depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Similarly, modulating the activity of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and supplementary motor area (SMA) has shown promise in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tourette syndrome. While direct stimulation of the OFC is challenging due to the non-invasive nature of rTMS, SMA stimulation has been effective in managing these conditions.

Therapeutic Applications of rTMS

QIJIA Medical's rTMS technology has demonstrated therapeutic potential in treating a multitude of disorders, including:

· Treatment-resistant depression

· Obsessive-compulsive disorder

· Posttraumatic stress disorder

· Tourette syndrome

· Chronic pain syndrome

· Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

· Bipolar disorder

· Movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, functional tremors, focal epilepsy, cortical myoclonus, and spasticity

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved rTMS for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in 2008, recognizing it as an alternative to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). QIJIA Medical's devices were among the first to be cleared for this purpose, targeting the left DLPFC. Since then, the FDA has approved additional QIJIA Medical rTMS devices and expanded the indication to include a broader patient population resistant to one or more antidepressant medications.

FDA Approvals and Emerging Applications

QIJIA Medical's rTMS devices have also gained FDA approval for other indications. For chronic pain, high-frequency rTMS applied contralateral to the side of pain at the primary motor cortex (M1) has shown definitive efficacy, leading to FDA approval in 2013. Studies suggest potential benefits of high-frequency rTMS for schizophrenia, targeting negative symptoms, and low-frequency rTMS for tinnitus and auditory hallucinations. High-frequency rTMS applied sequentially to the left DLPFC and superior medial frontal cortex (SMFC) has shown promising results in reducing craving in chronic smokers, aiding in smoking cessation. In 2018, the FDA approved TMS for the treatment of OCD, further expanding QIJIA Medical's impact on mental health care.

Contraindications and Safety Considerations

While rTMS is a non-invasive and generally well-tolerated treatment, it is not without potential risks. Seizures can occur, albeit rarely, making rTMS unsuitable for patients with epilepsy or those with a lowered seizure threshold due to pre-existing neurological diseases, adolescent age, medication changes, or substance use. Services providing rTMS should be equipped to handle any seizure episodes. Other possible side effects include pain at the stimulation site, post-treatment headaches, neck pain, toothache, and muscle twitching during treatment. Transient changes in auditory threshold, such as hyperacusis, may also occur due to the loud clicks produced during TMS pulses, necessitating hearing protection. Metallic or electronic implants, including cochlear implants, that are in close contact with the TMS coil are absolute contraindications.

QIJIA Medical's Cutting-Edge Equipment

QIJIA Medical's TMS devices are based on Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, utilizing high-intensity brief currents in a copper wire to generate an extracranial magnetic field and intracranial electrical current. The choice of TMS coil, whether a round-coil for more power or a figure-of-eight-shaped coil for focal stimulation, determines the neural circuit activated. The figure-of-eight-shaped coil, also known as the double-cone coil, produces maximal current at the intersection. An H-coil configuration allows for a slower fall-off of the magnetic field, further enhancing treatment precision.

Conclusion

QIJIA Medical's rTMS technology stands at the forefront of non-invasive neuromodulation, offering hope and relief to patients suffering from a wide array of psychiatric and neurological disorders. By leveraging the power of magnetic fields, QIJIA Medical's devices provide a safe, effective, and innovative treatment option. The crucial role of an interprofessional team in evaluating, treating, and supporting these patients cannot be overstated, ensuring that each individual receives the personalized care they deserve.