TMS THERAPY
FDA-cleared, non-medication depression treatment
Medically reviewed on by
Regional Medical Director Greater St. Louis
Stroke rehabilitation should focus not just on strengthening motor skills but also on strengthening mental health. Depression resulting from stroke is a common concern for patients, especially if they are struggling to regain the function they once had. TMS therapy for stroke-related depression can help people better recover from their stroke.
A stroke is a serious event. When a stroke occurs, the blood flow to the brain is blocked, preventing the brain cells from getting the oxygen they need to function and stay alive. There are more than 795,000 stroke cases in the United States each year.
There are two main types of strokes:
Time is of the essence when treating strokes. Not only is it the fourth most common cause of death in America, but it’s also responsible for the most disabilities over the long term, compared to other diseases. The risk of disability and death increases the longer a stroke goes without treatment.
Strokes can cause several health problems:
Depression is another common consequence of stroke. Although depression is not as well-known as the physical impairments from a stroke, depression should also be addressed for fuller recovery. TMS therapy for stroke patients may be integrated in an overarching rehabilitation program.
Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a serious concern. About one-third of stroke patients exhibit symptoms of depression, most often in the first year post-stroke.
PSD may be triggered by brain injury resulting from stroke, or it can be a reaction to the physical impairments caused by the stroke. Losing the ability to communicate clearly or to take care of basic chores or self-care tasks can be demoralizing and difficult to come to terms with. If left untreated, PSD can interfere with stroke rehabilitation therapy and may increase the risk of mortality. Sometimes people experience serious depression even if the physical effects of the stroke were minor.
PSD symptoms are similar to the signs of major depressive disorder. Stroke patients may suffer from PSD if the following symptoms are present nearly every day for a period of at least two weeks:
It’s important to get treatment for PSD as soon as possible. PSD, like non-stroke-related depression, can be treated with antidepressants or talk therapy. (As an interesting side note, some research indicates that the class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, may help stroke patients recover some motor function even if they don’t have PSD.)
However, not everyone responds well to antidepressant medication, and talk therapy may not be enough on its own. If more help is needed to alleviate symptoms, transcranial magnetic stimulation for stroke-related depression may help. (It should be noted that TMS is cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of major depressive disorder; TMS for stroke is not cleared at this time.)
With TMS treatment, magnetic pulses are transmitted to specific areas of the brain through an electromagnetic coil placed on the patient’s scalp. These pulses turn into gentle electrical currents that stimulate the brain, which can help ease depression symptoms. Treatment sessions typically take place each weekday for several weeks before tapering off in the last few weeks.
TMS for stroke rehabilitation has several benefits, including:
Contact us to learn more about TMS therapy for stroke patients or schedule your free consultation.
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