In 2008 scientists from Stanford (USA) has received government approval for the use of technology magnetic stimulation of certain lobes of the human brain to treat depression. Since then, they have leaped forward recently published a report on clinical trials of new techniques, which of sparing became quite aggressive. But the effect is striking – instead of weeks of treatment requires a few days.
Previous technology was only slightly better than placebo in a new format this is a powerful therapy. Scientists have tripled the number of pulses per session, bringing them up to 1800, increased the session duration to 10 minutes, plus increased frequency of exposure to 10 sessions per day. For comparison, at the beginning of the studies had one session per day for six weeks. Now patients heal in approximately three days.
The main achievement Stanford experts was a detailed three-dimensional mapping of the brain with a very precise definition of the problem areas that are affected by a magnetic pulse. It is difficult, energy intensive and risky, but the results of the experiment are encouraging. Of the 21 participants in a state of severe depression with the desire to suicide after five days of treatment, 19 people said that completely stopped thinking about suicide. A month later no one remained “voices in the head,” remission was observed in 60% of cases.
According to the nurses Deirdre Lehman, to the middle of the first day of testing it for the first time since 16 years of age was able to look into the eyes of loved ones without Intrusive thoughts about violence. Today the voices in my head and past mental discomfort is gone. At the same time, Leman believes your case is unique, and the authors of the invention are in no hurry to apply it to all patients. They insist on further testing to identify the maximum of the negative consequences and side effects.
Source — Stanford Medicine