How does TMS compare with ECT (Electroconvulsive therapy)?
TMS is a noninvasive method of stimulating the brain through the use of magnetic fields. The stimulation coil does not make contact with the patients head as it induces a weak electrical current in the brain through electromagnetic induction. TMS has not been shown to cause memory loss or loss of consciousness. It does not require anesthesia nor does it cause seizures. TMS undoubtedly has a superior side effect profile to ECT. ECT was developed in the 1940s and 50s, albeit with later refinements, while TMS was invented in the mid-1980s.
