Although traditional rehabilitation can speed recovery, some survivors may gain additional advantages through the use of less conventional treatments, equivalent to magnetotherapy for stroke patients. Studies have shown that magnetic therapy, also often known as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), can potentially alleviate various secondary effects of stroke.
In this text you can see more details about magnetic therapy and its advantages. Use the links below to go on to any section:
What’s magnetic therapy?
Magnetic therapy, also called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), is a form of non-invasive brain stimulation that goals to influence the brain’s natural electroactivity. During treatment, magnetic coils placed on the patient’s scalp send short electromagnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain. These impulses can travel deep into the brain to send electrical currents to stimulate goal neurons.
The typical adult brain incorporates roughly 86 billion neuronsthat communicate with one another using a mix of electrical and chemical signals. When stimulated, electrical impulses travel through the neuron, causing the discharge of chemical messengers that may influence the electrical activity of neighboring neurons. Brain damage from a stroke or other neurological condition can disrupt this process, causing messages to be transmitted inaccurately or by no means.
Currently, transcranial magnetic stimulation is used FDA approved to treat only just a few conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, migraine, and depression. Nonetheless, evidence suggests that rTMS could also be an efficient treatment for other conditions, including most of the secondary effects of stroke.
How magnetic therapy works for stroke
The results of magnetic therapy vary depending on the form of electromagnetic pulses administered. Tests shows that high-frequency rTMS could cause easier activation of chosen brain areas, whereas low-frequency rTMS could make it tougher to activate these areas.
When neurons within the brain are activated, they will engage a natural phenomenon often known as neuroplasticity. This enables the brain to adapt by creating and strengthening neural pathways which can be consistently stimulated, while reducing pathways which can be rarely used.
Magnetic therapy can increase neuroplasticity by making it easier for the brain to create strong adaptive neural pathways and weaken or eliminate pathways which can be maladaptive. This might be done by stimulating multiple areas of the brain. In truth, some studies found that stimulating each the affected and healthy parts of the brain could also be useful to attain optimal improvement.
It is because both sides (hemisphere) of the brain has separate functions. For instance, the a part of the motor cortex positioned in the fitting hemisphere controls movement on the left side of the body, while the left motor cortex controls movement on the fitting side of the body.
If an individual has weakness on the left side, they likely have damage to the fitting motor cortex. On this case, high-frequency rTMS might be used to advertise activation of the fitting motor cortex where stroke damage has occurred, while low-frequency rTMS might be used on the undamaged left side of the brain to suppress its activation.
Although participation in physical, occupational, and/or speech therapies may promote neuroplasticity, rTMS may serve to organize the brain for optimal recovery. Subsequently, to maximise the advantages of transcranial magnetic stimulation, it is commonly advisable to complement it along with more conventional therapies.
Advantages of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Due to its ability to extend neuroplasticity, magnetic therapy could have many advantages for stroke survivors. In response to International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiologyresearch suggests that:
- Application of low-frequency rTMS to the motor cortex of the intact hemisphere can improve hand motor function.
- The appliance of high-frequency rTMS to the affected area of the motor cortex is more likely to speed up the recovery of motor skills.
- Application of low-frequency rTMS to the fitting inferior frontal gyrus is more likely to improve chronic non-fluent aphasia (language difficulties)
While most studies have focused on the above areas, there’s some evidence that magnetic therapy might also help with other uncomfortable side effects of stroke. In truth 2023 study from the American Stroke Association It has been found that rTMS can improve:
Although magnetic therapy just isn’t yet widely advisable by stroke experts, it does exist growing variety of studies supporting its use. Further benefits of rTMS include that it’s non-invasive and painless, although it may be difficult to access.
Who can profit from magnetic therapy during stroke recovery?
Magnetic therapy could also be a useful option for speeding up stroke recovery, but it surely just isn’t suitable for everybody. Potential contraindications for rTMS include:
- Implanted metal devices, especially within the brain
- History of epileptic seizures
- Pregnancy
- Other medical or mental health conditions
Although most individuals don’t experience negative uncomfortable side effects, some may experience scalp discomfort, headaches, or dizziness after treatment. Rare but serious uncomfortable side effects include seizures or possible hearing loss. As with every treatment, it’s at all times best for survivors to debate the advantages and risks with their healthcare team before starting treatment.
Although some clinics and hospitals offer rTMS for stroke recovery, stroke survivors could have higher luck using rTMS Seek for clinical trials in your area. Because magnetic therapy for stroke patients has not yet been fully approved, it just isn’t typically covered by insurance. Subsequently, participating in a clinical trial specifically focused on stroke recovery could also be a inexpensive option.
Understanding magnetic therapy for stroke patients
Magnetic therapy might be a wonderful treatment option for stroke survivors, especially those that have reached a plateau of their recovery. Magnetic stimulation has the potential to offer the brain a big boost in plasticity, allowing stroke survivors to make further progress.
Nonetheless, as with all stroke treatments, optimal recovery requires consistent practice. Although magnetic therapy generally is a powerful tool, progress will likely be limited without regular participation in exercises and therapeutic activities. Concerned individuals should discuss with their healthcare team about whether magnetic therapy could also be an efficient and accessible treatment option to advertise recovery.