In collaboration with Uskudar University and NPİSTANBUL Hastanesi, the “TMS Symposium: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Training from Theory to Practice in the Clinic” took place. Many experts in their field participated in the training. Founding Rector of Uskudar University, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, also attended the training organized for psychiatrists, neurologists, and psychologists interested in TMS. Tarhan highlighted that NPİSTANBUL Hastanesi is one of the first institutions to apply TMS.
The symposium was held at NPİSTANBUL Hastanesi Çamlıca Conference Hall.
Founding Rector of Uskudar University, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, ÜSBAUMER Director Prof. Dr. Nesrin Dilbaz, Psychiatry Specialist Prof. Dr. Onur Noyan, Neurology Specialist Prof. Dr. Barış Metin, Psychiatry Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Oğuz Tan, Faculty of Medicine Lecturer Prof. Dr. Kemal Arıkan, as well as expert physicians and faculty members, attended the symposium.
NPİSTANBUL Hastanesi Among the First Institutions to Apply TMS…
Speaking at the symposium, Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan noted that NPİSTANBUL Hastanesi is one of the first healthcare institutions in Turkey to apply Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment for psychiatric purposes.
“Combining these three yields evidence-based practice”
Stating that patient values and choices are important in medicine, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan said; “There are three important pillars of evidence-based medicine. The first is the clinical scientific evidence we focus on. Scientific evidence alone is not enough; we identify these with our clinician identity. We establish scientific identity and clinician identity. There is another pillar, which is the patient’s values and choices. If we combine these three, evidence-based practice emerges.”
“In the future, digital therapeutics will replace therapists with various gaming software”
Tarhan emphasized the relationship between wearable technologies and thought power; “In the future, digital therapeutics will replace therapists with various gaming software. It is an approach that attempts to modulate our brain with digital powers. For example, brain-computer interface is related to computers, robotics, and artificial intelligence. This experimental paradigm can detect the user's sensory deformation and virtually stimulate motor movement directly through this interface via artificial access, just as we see, walk, and grasp an object with our natural limbs. This is mostly used in BCI. Arms are created for individuals using wearable technologies. They move their arm and leg with the power of thought. An algorithm is taught in that way,” he stated.
TMS Was Addressed in All Its Aspects…
In the training provided afterwards:
-History and Development of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS),
-Neurophysiology of the Brain and Neuroscientific Implications of Treatment Approaches,
-Working Principles, Neurophysiological Effects, and Target Areas of TMS,
-Evidence of TMS Applications in Psychiatric Clinics,
-Evidence of TMS Applications in Neurology Clinics,
-Facilitators and Challenges in TMS Practice were discussed.
The training program concluded after the Practical Application Workshop, with participants' questions being answered.
What is TMS?
In the application of TMS, brain activity is altered by creating a strong but brief external magnetic field, thereby producing a therapeutic effect. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive method that stimulates neurons in the brain. Through rapidly changing magnetic fields (electromagnetic induction), weak electrical currents induced in tissues lead to stimulation. In this way, brain activity can be triggered or modulated without the need for surgery or external electrodes. The TMS method, which maps the brain's functioning, is a powerful tool for diagnosis and research in neurology.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) holds promise in the treatment of a range of disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders. Consequently, in its current state, it is a good alternative to ECT.