The brain is a remarkable organ. It is wired to adapt to its environment and grow to support optimal living. Sometimes, it just needs a kick start, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) offers exactly that. Through NeuroStar TMS, we can tap into the brain’s natural ability to heal itself, an extraordinary process called brain plasticity, helping you unlock your own healing potential. At Genesis, we are here to help you understand the link between TMS and brain plasticity.
Brain plasticity, also known as neuroplasticity, is a term used to describe the brain’s ability to adapt based on experiences and stimuli throughout one’s life. Miraculously, the brain is able to rework its structure and function in response to experiences, environmental changes, growth, or damage. It is not static or finite, but constantly rewiring its neurons, forming new connections, and healing itself. You can think of this as a supply and demand system – when new situations in life require adjustments in your thought patterns and functioning, the brain can rework itself accordingly.
There are two main ways brain plasticity is achieved. First, through physical changes to its structure, such as strengthening synapses or forming new connections in response to learning. Second, functional changes involving rerouting certain functions to different areas of the brain in cases of injury or depletion. TMS can be used to supplement the brain’s natural plasticity.
TMS therapy taps into the brain’s plasticity, helping it to adapt over time. Research suggests that neurotransmitter imbalance and decreased brain activity are two main factors that contribute to depression, and NeuroStar TMS therapy was developed with innovative technology that works to reactivate the brain both chemically and functionally. Magnetic energy waves create pulses that stimulate specific areas of the brain to induce neuroplasticity and encourage structural changes in areas involved in mood control.
The frequency of these waves can be adjusted based on your individual needs to support brain plasticity in different ways. For example, high-frequency TMS waves increase brain activity and are ideal for people who need a boost in brain function, such as with depression. Low-frequency TMS waves decrease neuronal activity and can be useful for conditions where regions of the brain are overactive, such as with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Your specific settings will be determined by your unique medical history and treatment goals.
Because TMS supports brain plasticity, the benefits of treatment increase over time. TMS consists of multiple sessions spaced weeks apart to gradually tap into the brain’s healing ability. Each session retrains the brain to form new and lasting connections between neurotransmitters and reset the brain’s ability to regulate mood and emotion.
Because NeuroStar TMS works to actually rewire the brain rather than just temporarily alter it, it has the potential to produce long-lasting or even permanent results.
At Genesis, we want to remind you that healing is within reach. Your brain is a beautiful mechanism with the power to heal itself, and we want to provide you with the tools to help it do so. With the support of TMS, you can achieve mental peace and discover a new you. TMS and brain plasticity work together to guide you toward your best self. Call our office today to begin your journey!
