Do you remember our report about the Neurostar System by Neuronetics, a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device being considered by the FDA for the treatment of major depression? If you don’t, maybe you need some TMS to restore your memory function. After all, the technology is promoted to be the cure of the future for depression, schizophrenia, migranes, and restoration of peripheral vision status post stroke.
The news now is that the Neurostar System seems to be getting a competitor. Brainsway Ltd., an Israeli start up, has filed for an IPO there, reports Globes [online].
Here’s how Brainsway touts its system:
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Standard TMS coils are limited to activation of only cortical brain regions, up to a depth of about 1.5 cm. Hence when treating depression with a standard TMS system, the limbic system, which is related to mood regulation and is generally deeper than 1.5 cm, is only indirectly affected, through secondary processes involving cortical structures, which are directly activated by TMS and then affect the deeper limbic system structures.
The unique technology of Brainsway Deep TMS System enables direct non-invasive activation of deep brain structures.
Deep TMS is a breakthrough in the search for a non-invasive approach for treating common brain disorders. Deep TMS uses a unique, patented coil design to produce directed electromagnetic fields that can induce excitation or inhibition of neurons deep inside the brain. The treatment is non-invasive, with no significant side effects, no systemic effect (in contrast to drugs), and no need of hospitalization or anesthesia.