Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Neuropsychiatry

Chae, Jeong Ho; Jun, Taeyoun

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS) is a new, noninvasive procedure of a localized pulsed magnetic field to the surface of the head to cause a depolarization of neurons in the brain cortex underneath. The magnetic field(Magnetic) is generated by passing current pulses by conducting coil, held close to the scalp so that the field is passing the skull(Transcranial) and is focused in the cortex(Stimulation). Here we provide a summarized review of the methodology of TMS and its application to research and therapeutics in the field of neuropsychiatry.
METHODS
We described the history, procedures, basic researches, clinical applications, safety issues, mode of action, and future of TMS using literature review and interview with experts.
RESULTS
The earlier clinical uses of TMS had been restricted to the field of neurology where it was used to examine the central and peripheral nervous conduction. However this technology has been widely used to map various brain functions such as visual information processing, language, memory, emotion, and movement. The ability to excite local areas of brain cortex has raised the possibility of the use of TMS as a novel therapeutic tool for various psychiatric disorders.
CONCLUSION
TMS is a relatively new and noninvasive method to investigate regional brain activity and to treat several psychiatric diseases. Further work is necessary to firmly establish the efficacy and safety of this promising tool.