HOW DOES TMS TREAT THE COGNITIVE, EMOTIONAL, AND PHYSICAL DEFICITS THAT RESULT FROM A STROKE?

TMS stimulates an unaffected area of the primary motor cortex contra-lateral to the original lesion with a magnetic field of 1 Hz. This stimulation is carried out through an “8”shaped magnetic spiral situated on top of the skull.

The magnetic fields created by the spiral induce little magnetic impulses inside the brain that alter the activity of the neuronal mechanisms; exciting activity in this section of the brain.

TMS arouses the primary motor cortex of the unaffected region in order to reduce the intensity and excitability of the injured area and encourage transcallosal communication between the uninjured cortex and the injured cortex. Therefore this procedure contributes to cortical reorganization, motor improvement, isolation of desired movements, and neuroplasticity.

Neurological rehabilitation, in conjunction with transcranial magnetic stimulation, is crucial in the recovery of motor function and physical coordination in the aftermath of a stroke. Our treatment encompasses both physical and cerebral recuperation through the use of TMS and physical therapy in our NeuroFT clinic. (www.neuroft.com)

HOW LONG AFTER SUFFERING A STROKE CAN TREATMENT BE CONDUCTED?

The treatment can be received soon after suffering a stroke or years later because neuroplasticity is not time dependent. Spontaneous recovery occurs during the first six months after suffering a stroke. TMS can be applied during the period of spontaneous recovery; though is difficult to attribute the improvement to TMS alone during this time.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRADITIONAL REHABILITATION AND TMS?

The focus of traditional neurological rehabilitation has been oriented towards compensation and not the recovery of the individual. This is to say that that the individual is taught to use other non effected extremities to do life’s daily activities. We find the compensatory technique is not truly beneficial to the individual. In contrast, TMS Neuro works as an additional tool to help the affected area increase its potential and maximizes its functionality.