This post is also available in Dutch.
Envision a future where conditions like depression, Parkinson’s disease, or stroke-induced impairments can be moderated through non-invasive brain stimulation. Over the past decade, many studies have focused on the clinical effectiveness of such methods including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation (TUS). Curious how they work? Check out this previous blogpost.
Recently, new developments in these methods pave the way for the future due to their ability to precisely stimulate specific areas of the brain. The noninvasive brain stimulation techniques can be broadly classified as electrical, magnetic, or sonographic. Let’s take a glimpse at the most common ones and their promising future.
Modulating Brain Dynamics Using Acoustic Stimulation
Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation (TUS) is an innovative technique that uses sound waves to non-invasively stimulate the brain with precision. A new theta-burst TUS method uses rhythmic delivery of ultrasound and has been found to increase the activity of the motor cortex – the area responsible for movement – for up to 30 minutes after just 80 seconds of treatment. The boost in brain activity means the brain can adapt and strengthen its connections, also known as plasticity. This can offer potential new treatments for conditions like depression and Parkinson’s disease. A recent study explored how theta-burst TUS works by giving volunteers different medications. They found that it affects specific brain channels and systems. This includes sodium and calcium channels, as well as the GABA system, which helps regulate brain activity. These discoveries bring us closer to using TUS to improve brain health and treat various disorders effectively.
Magnetic impulses can help with hard-to-treat depression
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) involves applying weak magnetic pulses to a person’s scalp which can increase or decrease activity in the stimulated region. An exciting advancement in TMS technology is accelerated TMS, which allows for a greater number of pulses to be delivered in a shorter period, thereby reducing treatment time. In general, TMS has been shown to be effective in treating depression when other treatments such as medication fail. With accelerated TMS, depressive symptoms can be alleviated quicker than with regular TMS. However, before accelerated TMS can become a first-line treatment for depression (and possibly other disorders), more research is needed since there is no gold standard yet in the frequency, duration and dose of stimulation.
Electric brain stimulation at home: the future of clinical treatment?
The last non-invasive brain stimulation technique we want to highlight is Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation (tDCS). The principle is similar to TMS, but instead of magnetic stimulation, brain states are changed using electrical signals. This method has shown promise to help patients with fibromyalgia, depression, addiction and more. Recently, tDCS devices have been so far developed that they are now tested as an at home treatment. However, the first studies have proven that this at home self-stimulation brings some difficulties and needs more scientific examination and development. Nonetheless, this is an exciting new avenue for clinicians and researchers alike to make brain stimulation treatment more accessible and longer treatment durations without frequent clinic visits feasible.
All of the brain stimulation techniques mentioned here have two things in common: They give hope for the treatment of complex disorders, but they also still need more research before they can show their true potential in clinical practice. By comprehending the mechanisms of the different techniques, researchers are discovering new treatments that could facilitate how we approach neurological and psychiatric disorders. As we continue to explore and understand these mechanisms, the future of brain health looks brighter than ever.
Credits
Authors: Vivek Sharma and Helena Olraun
Translation: Maartje Koot
Editor translation: Eline de Boer
