How Magnets Are Used To Help Alleviate Depression

Posted on: 10 August 2022

Medical science can be a very strange and interesting world that doesn't always make a lot of sense to the outside viewer. Every year new advancements are discovered in ways no one has ever thought of before and while they might seem alien, they really do work and can have an exceptionally positive impact on many suffering people's lives. One such area that has helped thousands already is known as transcranial magnetic stimulation, and while it may seem like science fiction, it is far from it. Here is a brief look into how magnets can help alleviate depression in some sufferers.

Magnets And The Brain

The first thing to know about transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy (TMS therapy), is that it is completely non-invasive and not painful for the patient. All it involves is using a special type of magnet that is placed on the head and then targetted pulses of magnetic energy are sent through the brain. These are virtually imperceptible to your body, but they affect the nerves in your brain that are most closely linked with depression and your mood. In effect, the magnet stimulates your nerves and can alter your mood significantly for an extended period of time with no significant side effects.

Dangers And Risks

The great thing about TMS therapy is that there really are very few risks. While other procedures that have aimed to curtail depression through surgical means often result in seizures or even worse results, TMS therapy has not shown any creation of those very painful symptoms. The worst thing people will mention after the fact is perhaps a headache that lasts for a little while and can be managed with acetaminophen. Sometimes the device itself might make your head feel a little bit itchy during the process as well.

Who Is It Used For

The simple fact is that not a lot of people know about TMS therapy and so the current audience for it is small. It is also commonly prescribed only after medications are tried, but this is not always the case and that is slowly shifting as public understanding of TMS therapy grows bigger. If you think TMS therapy could have a positive impact on your life, then simply ask your doctor or healthcare professional. They will have better specifics about how it would relate to your current condition and whether or not it would be appropriate to try. 

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