Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation-Sounds Like Electroshock to Me
The FDA has approved a new, yet strangely old, method of treating depression. Transcranial magnetic stimulation-is a “noninvasive” treatment that sends weak electric currents through the brain to excited the neurons. It is supposed to treat migraines, stroke, Parkinsons Disease, dystonia, tinnitus also and psychiatric conditions e.g. major depression, auditory hallucinations. Let me pose a question. How is sending electric current THROUGH a brain noninvasive? I know. I know. Noninvasive means nonsurgical, but I digress.
What is the technique? They stick a metal coil, encased in plastic to your head and turn up the juice. Sound familiar? Anyone? Anyone? Electroshock Therapy? The low current sounds an awful lot like the brainwashing techniques from the Holocaust.
Before you decided to go with this treatment, just be aware that no proof of cure has been established, anywhere. What are the side effects? Well, even though it has been approved by the FDA the long term effects have not been fully explored. Though reports of people “changing” seems to be common. Long term depression has been reported in patients as well. Oh, and consider some lovely short term side effects:
* Seizures (rare)
* Pain at stimulation site, face, and skin
* Headaches
* Muscle twitching
* Eye pain
* Toothache
* Stress which lead to thoughts of self harm or mania
* Nausea
Makes you think.
January 10th, 2010 at 5:00 am
Will put it on my list, kind regards Dr Shock