Latest news with #TranscranialMagneticStimulation
Medscape
6 hours ago
- Health
- Medscape
Brain Stimulation Promising for Progressive Aphasia
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may augment standard language therapy to help slow the progression of primary progressive aphasia (PPA), a neurodegenerative disorder that erodes communication. In a randomized sham-controlled clinical trial, 6 months of active intermittent theta-burst TMS plus language therapy improved or mitigated decline in regional brain metabolism, trained language abilities, functional impairment, and neuropsychiatric symptoms in adults with PPA. The study was published online on August 11 in JAMA Network Open . Added Value? PPA is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome marked by progressive speech and/or language impairment. Most cases stem from frontotemporal degeneration or Alzheimer's disease. There are currently no effective drug treatments, although speech-language therapy has proven to be helpful. TMS can induce changes in cortical excitability, potentially promoting the reorganization of language networks, and has shown promise as adjunctive treatment for post-stroke aphasia. Previous studies examining the short-term effects of TMS on PPA reported 'encouraging' results, but the longer-term effects, beyond more than a few weeks of intervention, have not been examined, until now. For the study, the researchers led by Jordi Matias-Guiu, MD, PhD, with the Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain, recruited 63 adults with early-stage PPA (42 women; mean age, 72 years). Participants were randomized (2:1) to either active intermittent theta-burst TMS or sham TMS for 6 months, immediately followed by evidence-based language therapy for PPA. The trial consisted of a 24-week treatment that included a 2-week intensive course, in which active TMS or sham TMS combined with language therapy was applied daily, followed by a maintenance phase in which the same stimulation was applied weekly for 22 weeks. Participants were assessed at baseline, 3 months after the start of the treatment, and at the end of the treatment (6 months following baseline). The main outcome was the standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) on FDG PET imaging in the left hemisphere, assessed at baseline and at 6 months (immediately following the intervention). Feasible, Effective Option The primary outcome was positive with higher adjusted mean SUVR in the active group than in the sham TMS group (0.78 vs 0.77; P = .046). Active TMS was also associated with significant improvement on all secondary language outcomes at 6 months, including the mini linguistic state examination, with an adjusted mean difference at 6 months of 7.71 ( P = .002). Patients in the sham group worsened on this measure compared with those in the active group. Active TMS also led to improvement in confrontation naming of trained words, which improved by a mean 23.8 points in active recipients compared with sham TMS recipients. Functional independence also benefited, with daily-living scores falling (indicating better performance) by 5.4 points in the active group compared with the sham TMS group. Neuropsychiatric symptoms eased as well, with a 4-point advantage on the neuropsychiatric inventory scale. There were no significant differences in the number of adverse events. Adherence to treatment protocol was high (92%). 'Overall, these findings suggest that the combination of TMS and language therapy is a feasible and effective treatment option for PPA,' the researchers concluded. They said future studies should investigate the potential for TMS paired with an evidence-based speech-language intervention to sustain or extend these benefits beyond 6 months.
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Non-invasive depression treatment TMS helped engineer get his life back
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox SINGAPORE – Mr Ng Chee Hiong shunned contact with others for years, staying at home for days on end, self-isolating – at least on one occasion – for as long as two months and only coming out after running out of food. And when he made it to the outside world, he would walk staring straight down at the pavement, a hat worn low, his mop of long hair shielding him from seeing those around him. Depression and anxiety has haunted Mr Ng, 52, for over a quarter of a century. He said that he had a difficult childhood beset by family problems. Things went bad after he experienced study-related stress. Mr Ng said: '1998 was (when I had) my first appointment with a psychiatrist... I was studying in the university and the stress was tremendous. My personal life was also not good.' He was diagnosed with depression and anxiety that year, and started treatment. Over the years, he had multiple trials of antidepressants and therapy, but he did not respond well to them. In 2005, the engineer relapsed and had to stop work for a year. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore PM Wong calls on S'poreans to band together for nation to remain exceptional in National Day message Singapore NDP 2025: No ticket, no problem – here are some spots to soak up National Day vibes Business Who loses the most from Trump's tariffs? Who wins? Business Singapore's digital banks trim deposit rates, mirroring moves by incumbent players Life S'pore's nightlife isn't dead yet: A nightlife reporter's 6 favourite places to drink World Intel CEO Tan Lip-Bu says has board support as Trump calls for resignation Singapore Ex-lawyer convicted over charges for cheating company director of more than $8 million Singapore Chief Justice names law graduate who wanted anonymity after being denied Bar admission That happened again in 2011. In 2017, following a severe relapse, Mr Ng resigned from his job at an engineering firm and withdrew from social life. But thanks to a different treatment made available, things are now looking up for Mr Ng: In June, he started working in the laundry room of a nursing home – his first job in over eight years. 'It's a part-time job to help me transit into the working world…. Right now, I am taking one step at a time,' he said. Mr Ng is among a small but growing group of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) patients with treatment-resistant depression who are receiving Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) , a non-invasive treatment. TMS delivers magnetic pulses via a coil to stimulate nerve cells in underactive parts of the brain . Dr Tay Yi Hang adjusts the placement of the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation machine during the brain stimulation therapy session. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO It is used to treat conditions including major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults. Mr Ng is sharing his story to give hope and create awareness of the therapy that he said helped him to get his life back. TMS became more accessible in Singapore after the authorities announced in October 2024 that MediShield Life would cover it, along with more outpatient treatments, to support the shift in healthcare delivery from hospitals to outpatient and home settings. When Mr Ng underwent his first course of TMS treatment, he experienced a drop in negative thoughts straight away. That is how he knew it was working, he said. 'I am able to think about other things… that keeps me going every day,' he added. Mr Ng's TMS sessions take place at KTPH's outpatient psychological medicine clinic at Admiralty Medical Centre, which is located at Kampung Admiralty in Woodlands Drive. His doctor, Dr Tay Yi Hang, one of six psychiatrists there, was the one who started the TMS service at KTPH in May 2022. Since then, an average of about 10 patients with treatment-resistant MDD each year have received the treatment, but this mark has already been crossed in 2025. Research shows that more than 35 per cent of patients with MDD have treatment-resistant depression. This is a term that is often used for patients who have failed to respond to two different antidepressants, despite adequacy of the treatment trial and adherence to treatment. The chance of responding to the third antidepressant is usually less than 17 per cent but with TMS, there is a response rate of 60 per cent, said Dr Tay. 'Based on what we have seen so far at KTPH, approximately 60 per cent of patients who have undergone TMS treatment have achieved at least a 50 per cent reduction in depression rating scales,' said Dr Tay. Furthermore, about 50 per cent of their patients experienced a significant improvement, becoming virtually asymptomatic. Dr Tay said they also use TMS for patients with OCD, though that is less popular as it involves the provocation of the patient's symptoms to activate specific brain circuits before the session. Each session of TMS usually lasts around 3 minutes or 18.5 minutes, depending on the protocol prescribed. There is no pain, but the frequency of sessions and cost might deter some patients. The recommended number of TMS sessions is about 30, conducted daily over six weeks, or twice or thrice daily over two to three weeks. Each session costs $125. Mr Ng completed 30 TMS sessions in mid-2022. That was after his long-time private sector psychiatrist retired and advised him to find not just a new psychiatrist but also a psychologist to help him. He found both, and he achieved a good response with the TMS treatment. Encouraged by this progress, he continued his medication and therapy with a psychologist at KTPH. However, Mr Ng experienced a return of his symptoms around nine months later, and went for a second course of TMS in early 2023. To sustain these gains, he has continued with monthly maintenance TMS ever since. He pays for his sessions, as the maintenance sessions are not covered under MediShield Life, which covers up to 24 sessions for the first round of TMS treatment, and up to 15 sessions if the treatment is repeated. TMS became available in Singapore in 2015, when Promises Healthcare in the private sector brought it in. IMH started offering it soon after for patients with treatment-resistant depression. About three years ago, it started to use it for patients with OCD. In 2024, IMH started clinical trials to study a personalised form of TMS, which involves mapping a person's brain using scans to locate a precise spot to target during the stimulation. Another hospital here tha t offers TMS for treatment-resistant depression is the National University Hospital.
Business Wire
30-07-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Serenity Mental Health Centers Opens New Treatment Clinic in Fairfax
FAIRFAX, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Serenity Mental Health Centers, a leader in innovative psychiatric care and one of the fastest-growing mental health providers in the nation, today announced the opening of its newest clinic located in Fairfax. This facility is Serenity's first Virginia location, offering hope and individualized care to more residents searching for lasting relief from mental health struggles. Serenity Mental Health Centers brings innovative, same-day psychiatric care to Fairfax. Share Serenity will open a temporary clinic at 12150 Monument Drive, Suite 375, Fairfax, Virginia, beginning Aug. 4. A permanent location will follow soon in Suite 815 of the same building. Both locations will offer same-day psychiatric appointments and a full suite of alternative treatments, including psychiatric evaluations, medication management, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and ketamine infusion therapy. These treatments are designed to support patients struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. TMS treatment at Serenity has an 84% response rate and a 78% remission rate, with results lasting over three years for most patients. As one of the few clinics providing TMS for conditions beyond depression, Serenity delivers innovative mental health care that helps patients heal. 'Opening our first clinic in Virginia is a commitment to making life-changing mental health treatment accessible to more communities,' said Tricia Pease, chief operating officer and co-founder of Serenity Mental Health Centers. 'Our goal is to make a lasting impact across the D.C. metro area by expanding to eight to 10 locations, beginning with Arlington and Alexandria next year.' The medical office building includes 16 specialized treatment suites and is currently staffed by two providers. Dr. Vanessa Freeman and Dr. Anh-Lan Tran are board-certified psychiatrists who are passionate about care that is comprehensive, collaborative and patient-centered. To book an appointment at the new Fairfax clinic, visit or call 571-534-3843. About Serenity Mental Health Centers Serenity Mental Health Centers is a leading provider of comprehensive mental health services, dedicated to transforming the lives of patients through compassionate, innovative, and evidence-based care. With 35 locations across the country, Serenity offers a wide range of treatments tailored to address various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADHD and PTSD. Our highly skilled team of psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and mental health specialists combine innovative therapies like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and ketamine infusion with personalized care to help patients achieve lasting wellness. Serenity is committed to expanding access to quality mental health care and fostering hope and recovery for individuals and families in the communities we serve. For more information, go to
Business Wire
01-07-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Bay Psychiatric Associates Hosts Open House for Healthcare Providers
SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bay Psychiatric Associates is excited to announce a successful Open House event at its newly expanded San Mateo location, held on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025. This event welcomed healthcare providers interested in learning more about the clinic's comprehensive mental health services, including Ketamine/Spravato, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and Outpatient Services such as Psychotherapy and Medication Management. We're thrilled to open our doors to healthcare providers in the community and share the innovative treatments we offer to help individuals manage mental health conditions. Share Founded in 1994, Bay Psychiatric Associates has long been a trusted leader in mental health care in the Bay Area. To meet the growing demand for advanced treatment options, the clinic has expanded its services. The multidisciplinary team, including psychiatrists and dedicated support staff, works collaboratively to ensure patients receive effective, accessible, and compassionate care. The Open House featured guided tours of the facility, opportunities to meet the clinic's medical and administrative staff, and an in-depth overview of the latest in psychiatric care. Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments were provided, and the event also served as a networking opportunity for local healthcare professionals to connect and discuss potential referral partnerships. 'We're thrilled to open our doors to healthcare providers in the community and share the innovative treatments we offer to help individuals manage mental health conditions,' said Dr. Roberto Estrada, Interventional Psychiatry Medical Director at Bay Psychiatric Associates. 'Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that our services are not only effective but also accessible to those who need them most. We look forward to discussing these advancements with our colleagues in the healthcare field.' About Bay Psychiatric Associates Bay Psychiatric Associates is a leading mental health provider in the Bay Area, specializing in innovative treatments for mental health conditions, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Spravato (esketamine), and ketamine therapy. The clinic's multidisciplinary team is dedicated to providing the highest quality care to patients struggling with depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Outpatient clinics are located in Berkeley, San Francisco, Corte Madera, and San Mateo. Learn more via our website.
The Star
18-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
YAYASAN UEM BOOSTS LIFESAVING MEDICAL AID WITH RM2MIL CONTRIBUTION
From left: HRC director Dr Fairul Nizam Abu Salim, Yayasan UEM chief executive officer Aishah Nor, Yayasan UEM Board of Trustees member Datuk Amran Hafiz Affifudin, HPUSM director Prof Datuk Dr Ab Rahman Izaini Ghani, Health Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Suriani Ahmad, HCTM director Datuk Dr Azmi Baharudin, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya state health director Dr Nor'Aishah Abu Bakar and UMMC director Prof Dr Nazirah Hasnan at the ceremony. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star YAYASAN UEM, the philanthropic arm of UEM Group Bhd (UEM Group), has contributed RM2mil for the implementation of its annual Medical Assistance programme this year, bringing the total contributions nearing RM13.9mil since its inception in 2014. Entering its 12th year, the programme which to date has benefited more than 1,600 underprivileged patients from across Malaysia, continues to expand with Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital (HRC) under the Health Ministry joining as its fourth strategic partner. The programme's other existing strategic partners are University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HCTM) and Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia (HPUSM). This year, each hospital has once again received a contribution of RM500,000 from Yayasan UEM which are used to procure life-saving medical devices such as pacemaker and breathing device, medications, treatment charges including those for chemotherapy as well as to facilitate high-cost, critical surgeries for each of the hospitals' underprivileged patients. The contribution ceremony for the 2025 Yayasan UEM Medical Assistance Programme was held at HRC, where Yayasan UEM chief executive officer Aishah Nor presented mock cheques to representatives of its strategic partners. This included Dr Faizul Nizam Abu Salim from HRC, Prof Dr Nazirah Hasnan from UMMC, Datuk Dr Azmi Baharudin from HCTM and Prof Datuk Dr Ab Rahman Izaini Ghani from HPUSM. At HRC specifically, the funding is used to procure a Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) device for its neurological rehabilitation treatment as well as to subsidise other rehabilitation costs for its patients to support their long-term recovery and health. The funding will also help cover rehabilitation costs for underprivileged asnaf and non-Muslim patients, ensuring they have equal access to essential treatment. Health Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Suriani Ahmad who graced the ceremony, said: 'This initiative is a testament to Yayasan UEM's commitment to expanding access to quality, inclusive and equitable rehabilitation care for all segments of society, in line with the principles of Malaysia Madani.' She also emphasised that the initiative marked a historic and meaningful step for both HRC and the Health Ministry as it is the only rehabilitation facility under ministry that provides comprehensive rehabilitation services for patients with stroke, spinal cord injuries, amputations and other conditions requiring long-term intervention. According to Aishah, Yayasan UEM is deeply committed to providing access to quality medical care for the underprivileged, especially against the backdrop of rising medical cost and inflation. 'Despite medical advancements, disparities in access to medical care persist in Malaysia, exacerbated by the recent Covid-19 pandemic. 'We believe that every individual has the right to access health and medical services. 'It is with this notion that we fully support the government's efforts to promote inclusive and sustained medical support and we hope to continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most,' she added. Also present to witness the ceremony were Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya state health director Dr Nor'Aishah Abu Bakar, as well as UEM Group managing director and Yayasan UEM Board of Trustees member Datuk Amran Hafiz Affifudin.
