UAB has launched its Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) program. M. Bates Redwine, M.D. is the Medical Director of the program. rTMS has been studied for many years, and as of October 8, 2008, a rTMS device, manufactured by Neuronetics Inc. has been approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States for use in adult patients with major depression who have previously tried medication and not improved satisfactorily. This non-invasive treatment for depression uses highly focused, pulsed magnetic fields to stimulate function in targeted brain regions. Not all patients are appropriate candidates for rTMS Therapy. Patients with implanted metal devices or clips are not eligible for the treatment, but individuals with metal devices in their dental work are acceptable to be treated with the rTMS machine. To determine if rTMS Therapy may be right for you, contact our office to schedule an appointment with a physician on our ACCESS line: (205) 934-7008 or 1-800-782-1133.
How rTMS works: Through a treatment coil, the rTMS Therapy system generates highly concentrated, magnetic fields which turn on and off very rapidly. These magnetic fields are the same type and strength as those produced by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine, but are more focused. The treatment coil is placed above the head over the left prefrontal cortex (front part of brain). This part of the brain is involved with mood regulation; therefore, it is the location where the magnetic fields are focused. These magnetic fields do not directly affect the whole brain: They only reach about 2-3 centimeters into the brain, directly beneath the treatment coil. As these magnetic fields move into the brain, they activate cells within the brain which are thought to release neurotransmitters.
The rTMS Therapy is a 40-minute outpatient procedure that is performed under the supervision of a psychiatrist. It does not require anesthesia or sedation, and patients remain awake and alert during the procedure. Treatment is administered daily for four to six weeks (20-30 treatments).
 Watch UAB Media Relations interview with rTMS Director, Dr. Bates Redwine
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