Mechanisms and pathways underlying the therapeutic effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation

• Published in: Reviews in the neurosciences Vol. 24; no. 5; p. 507
• Main Authors: Medina, Francisco Javier, Túnez, Isaac
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 01-10-2013
• Subjects: Brain - physiology; Brain - ultrastructure; Humans; Mental Disorders - therapy; Mitochondria - physiology; Neurodegenerative Diseases - therapy; Neurons - ultrastructure; Neurotransmitter Agents - metabolism; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - methods
• ISSN: 0334-1763
• DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2013-0024

It has been almost 40 years since Barker, Jalinous, and Freeston designed and used the first device of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). From then until now, this technique has evolved vertiginously, appearing a lot of new protocols and device modifications, which associated with new technologies complement and enhance the versatility of this technique. TMS has demonstrated to be a safe technology and become a key tool in the study of the complex brain processes. Despite this, it is as a therapeutic tool where this technique has caused a revolution. In this regard, this type of non-invasive brain stimulation has been proven useful in a variety of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders due to its biochemical, molecular, and cellular effects, with depression being the paradigm of the therapeutic effectiveness of this technique. This review focuses on a detailed vision of how this type of radiation modifies different biochemical and cellular processes that induce the mechanisms and pathways underlying the therapeutic effects of TMS.