Overview: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation vs. (ECT)
As technology progresses, brain stimulation techniques are developing. Researchers are more interested in discovering how the brain works and developing better approaches to treat psychiatric disorders.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
A common misperception regarding transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroconvulsive therapy is that they are the same thing.
Both stimulate certain brain regions to rule out persistent depression and other mood-related diseases, which is correct. Insurance providers cover both, however, they differ in some ways.
Since recurring electromagnetic waves are used to excite brain cells, Transcranial magnetic stimulation is also referred to as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). TMS is a kind of brain incitement treatment used to treat depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric problems.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation employs a magnetic field to stimulate the brain areas that are related to depressive symptoms. It takes about 20 minutes per session on average and is intended for people who have not had a satisfactory response to prior treatments.
Research on the efficacy and safety of Transcranial magnetic stimulation was first conducted during the 1990s. In 2008, the FDA approved it to treat the major depressive disorder. The American Psychiatric Association recognized Transcranial magnetic stimulation as a mainstream therapeutic option for treating chronic depression in 2010.
Electroconvulsive treatment (ECT)
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a brain incitement technique that utilizes an electric field to invigorate certain brain regions by generating minor convulsions that cause mental troubles, first appears in the 1930s. ECT, unlike Transcranial magnetic stimulation, necessitates anesthesia to complete the therapy.
Negative media depictions of ECT’s working and clinical usage previously perpetuated people’s preconceptions about electroconvulsive treatment (ECT). They viewed this treatment as cruel and dangerous, and they frequently alluded it to as “electric shock treatment”.
The reality, however, is not the same as it was previously. ECT is being utilized under medical supervision by around 100,000 individuals in the United States.
TMS and ECT Are Not the Same
However, both Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) are used to treat depression, there are significant differences.
What They Do:
What They Do:
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment incorporates setting an insulated magnetic coil on the patient’s forehead around the temple area, ideally on the prefrontal cortex, which creates electromagnetic waves by targeting the parts of the brain that cause depression.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation advances neuroplasticity, which leads to the development or strengthening of neuronal associations.
ECT:
Electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) includes delivering an electric flow by setting an electrode on the patient’s head and targeting those brain regions that are causing mental issues. The goal of ECT is to treat depression by generating seizures, which in turn cause increased transmission of neurotransmitters.
During ECT, patients are administered muscle relaxants while sedated, and they often wake up 5-10 minutes after therapy is over.
Procedure’s Nature:
TMS:
ECT:
Unlike Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, ECT is an invasive treatment that causes patients to sleep and experience nothing during the process, but they do feel pain afterward. Specialists perform Electroconvulsive treatment in an operating room and require a sedative.
Treatment Option For:
TMS:
Depression, anxiety disorders, addiction disorders, OCD, PTSD, Bipolar disorder, and persistent primary insomnia are among the conditions for which Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is used.
ECT:
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD), psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and catatonia are among the conditions for which Electroconvulsive treatment is used.
Process Duration and Frequency:
TMS:
Patients with depressive disorders choose a Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment regimen that keeps going for a month and a half and comprises 20-30 sessions.
A patient ought to go through five sessions throughout a month and a half. Each Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation session lasts 20 to 30 minutes on average.
ECT:
Specialists suggest that patients should have Electroconvulsive treatment 2-3 times every week, for an aggregate of 10-12 sessions. The ECT procedure can last up to a month and a half, with each session lasting approximately an hour.
Probability of Success:
TMS:
Patients who receive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment for treatment-resistant depression have a 68 percent likelihood of recovering from their depressive symptoms.
ECT:
Although it’s crucial to evaluate improvements with Electroconvulsive treatment, reports imply that patients have a 48-50 percent likelihood of recovering from depression.
ECT vs TMS: How Much Does It Cost?
TMS:
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is less intrusive than ECT and does not require extra equipment. Leading healthcare insurance companies also covered it. Using the Neurostar technology, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy expenditures for six weeks, covering 30 sessions, ranging from $8000 to $12000.
ECT:
ECT necessitates a surgical setup, a licensed nurse, and a competent anesthetist, all of which increase the cost. A six-week Electroconvulsive treatment procedure might cost upwards of $12,000.
ECT vs Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: Side Effects:
TMS:
TMS uses electromagnetic waves to excite brain cells rather than generating convulsions, which means it has fewer adverse effects than ECT.
Patients who receive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation may endure skin irritation, moderate headaches, and a 1 in 50,000 chance of having a seizure.
ECT:
- Patients who receive Electroconvulsive treatment may develop headaches in 33% of cases, cognitive impairments in 17% of cases, muscle pain in 13% of cases, and memory problems in 16% of cases.
- ECT can have catastrophic side effects in a tiny percentage of cases, including death in patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary difficulties.
- In 1-2 percent of cases, patients may experience persistent seizures.
If I’ve had Electroconvulsive Treatment, Can I Get TMS?
Regardless of whether you’ve done Electroconvulsive treatment previously, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation can help. Neither one technique will lessen the other’s adequacy. The way individuals react to these methods differs from person to person. So converse with your psychiatrist about which one would be best for you.
Both Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and ECT are useful in treating treatment-resistant depression and other psychiatric diseases because they work on the prefrontal cortex to raise the amounts of healing proteins in the brain. Both methods boost your mental health by repairing faulty connections in your brain. It is entirely up to you to choose a treatment plan.
TMS and Electroconvulsive treatment both have advantages and disadvantages, so make an informed decision. Patients who have not responded to any medicine or therapy are candidates for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.
On the other hand, ECT is used to treat severe depression that hasn’t responded to medication, counseling, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), or other treatments. When deciding on a course of action, always seek professional advice.
