The History of TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)

Like most medical or scientific discoveries, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) didn’t happen overnight or after a single experiment. The history of TMS consists of over 140 years of research, trial, and error to get to the TMS machines we have today. 

When we look at the very beginning of TMS research, we can see how it has developed and improved.

The Origin of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Italian physician Luigi Galvani discovered in 1780 that electric sparks could make a dead frog’s legs twitch. This moment laid the groundwork for electrophysiology and electric brain stimulation.

The 19th century propelled our understanding of electricity to new levels. During this time, we had titans of electric research such as Michael Faraday, Nikola Tesla, and Alexander Graham Bell.

In 1881, Faraday discovered that he could create electromagnetic rotation and use electricity to create a magnetic field. His inventions and discoveries would become the basis of electromagnetism technology in physics.

In 1965, Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall published their revolutionary gate control theory of pain. They stated that a non-painful input could prevent or reduce pain sensation from reaching the central nervous system. This theory would ultimately lead to the development of the first TMS device. 

The Invention of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

In 1985, Dr. Anthony Barker and his team of researchers built the first TMS device and used themselves as test subjects. When placed near a specific region on the head, they found that this simple device could trigger muscle contraction.

TMS expanded and improved from there, with its original primary focus to serve as depression therapy. In the 1990s, TMS studies showed great improvement to those suffering from PTSD as well. 

In 1997, as the positive result numbers continued to increase,  Canada approved the use of TMS as a valid medical device for treating clinical depression. The United States FDA followed suit in 2008. 

What Disorders Can TMS Treat?

Some early hopeful outcomes of electric stimulation were to bring the dead back to life. Modern expectations are much more realistic.

The most common use for TMS is depression treatment. TMS therapy for depression works well for the patient who has tried medication and talk therapy with no improvement.

Besides being a therapy for depression, TMS has helped treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), stress, anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and epilepsy. 

TMS works by stimulating a section of the brain with lower-functioning impulses and with frequent visits over a designated length of time, TMS therapy can be used for many brain disorders. The success rate coupled with the non-invasive, low-risk nature of TMS makes it an obvious choice.

Is TMS Therapy Right for Me?

At TMS Therapy Global Network, our goal is to use TMS therapy to bring you the relief you need in a professional and comfortable environment.  We personalize every treatment plan to best meet the needs of our patients. If you’re unsure whether you qualify for TMS therapy, check out this article, or call us today at (502) 742-8182.