Deep Brain Stimulation (Deep TMS) and Its Role in Addiction Treatment

What is Deep Brain Stimulation?

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a medical procedure used to treat certain chronic neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, ADHD, and treatment-resistant depression. This technique involves sending targeted electrical signals to specific areas of the brain using an implanted device.

The procedure involves placing thin electrodes in the brain, which are connected to a receiver implanted under the skin in the chest or abdomen. This receiver sends continuous, regulated electrical pulses to the brain to regulate neural activity and reduce symptoms associated with neurological disorders.

Determining if DBS is suitable requires an assessment by a specialized medical team. Sometimes, DBS effectiveness is tested temporarily with external devices before a final decision on implantation. Doctors review the patient’s medical history and conduct a thorough assessment of symptoms and diagnosis to determine if DBS is safe and effective for the patient.

The costs of DBS vary based on the country, medical center, surgery, device, and follow-up visits. It’s best to consult a specialized medical team for an estimate and details specific to each case.

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Addiction Treatment and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
Addiction is a brain-related disease that leads to dysfunction in brain cells. It is a behavioral disorder stemming from using a specific substance or habit, eventually leading to dependency, where the person can no longer quit voluntarily.

The primary goal of the medical team treating addiction is first to ensure the substance is cleared from the body, then to reduce the body’s dependency on the substance. This is achieved by restoring the brain cells’ responses affected by the substance.

If a patient’s response to medications and psychotherapy is insufficient, the medical team may use Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) to target deeper brain regions associated with addiction. This article will outline the nature of Deep TMS and its role in addiction treatment, along with its effects, benefits, and effectiveness in treating addiction and other neurological and psychological disorders.

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Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS)
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has two types: standard TMS (nTMS) and Deep TMS. TMS stimulates or inhibits specific areas of the brain to improve symptoms, especially in treating chronic depression, medication-resistant depression, and several other psychological disorders.

How TMS Works:
A helmet containing a magnetic field is placed on the top of the head, creating currents that stimulate brain cells involved in mood regulation.

Deep TMS vs. Standard TMS:
Deep TMS can reach and stimulate deep brain regions like the Insula and Anterior Cingulate Cortex, which play a significant role in addiction. Standard TMS cannot access these deeper areas, so Deep TMS is preferred in addiction cases.

Recommended Treatment Duration

After diagnosis, the doctor usually prescribes 15-18 sessions, five sessions per week. This number may vary based on the patient’s condition and response to treatment.

Procedure Steps

After psychological evaluation and brain imaging (using MRI or EEG), the doctor identifies the appropriate area for stimulation. The patient sits in a chair with a helmet on, and magnetic waves are directed to the brain for 5-30 minutes, depending on their needs.

Potential Side Effects of Deep TMS

The non-surgical procedure requires no anesthesia, so the risks are minimal and similar to standard TMS. Common side effects include mild headaches and, very rarely, seizures (only three cases in 30,000 treatments at NP Brain Hospital in Turkey).

Advantages of Deep TMS

• Superior results compared to standard TMS and fewer side effects than Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).
• Quick results, often visible within a week.
• Non-surgical and does not require anesthesia.
• Deep TMS does not interfere with other treatments and can be part of an integrated treatment plan for addiction.

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In Cases of Addiction, Which Brain Areas Are Stimulated Using Deep TMS?
Deep TMS can reach deep brain regions involved in addiction, helping to reduce cravings and dependency on addictive substances.

Benefits of Deep TMS
Deep Brain Stimulation provides numerous benefits for those with chronic neurological disorders:

• Symptom relief, reducing tremors and involuntary muscle stiffness.
• Reduces dependency on medications.
• Improves daily life by restoring movement and independence.
• Adjustable settings to meet individual patient needs, optimizing treatment.

For those seeking recovery from addiction, Dr. Al-Akkad’s medical team offers direct consultations through their website.

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