Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Accelerated TMS)
Accelerated TMS is a fast-tracked version of TMS therapy that uses Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) to deliver the benefits of TMS in a shorter timeframe than that of rTMS. It allows for multiple sessions per day, reducing the overall treatment period from weeks to just a few days.
How it works:
- Accelerated TMS involves multiple sessions per day over a shorter duration, potentially compressing a standard 4-6 week treatment course into a few days or weeks.
- The principle is based on the same technology as rTMS and Deep TMS but administered more frequently.
Treatment Protocol:
- Patients might receive 4-10 sessions per day, with each session separated by short breaks.
- Treatment duration can vary from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the specific protocol and patient needs.
Effectiveness:
- Preliminary research suggests that accelerated TMS can provide rapid relief of depressive symptoms, which is particularly beneficial for patients in acute distress.
- The safety and tolerability are consistent with standard rTMS, though careful monitoring is essential due to the increased intensity of the treatment schedule.