TAS(Transcranial magnetic stimulation) is negative or decreased as per parent prior to the study. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is beginning to be used by a number of centers universal and may represent a novel method with both diagnostic and therapeutic potential.
Here we critically examine the current scientific confirmation for the use of TMS into ASD. Though preliminary data suggests promise, there is simply not enough confirmation yet to conclusively support the clinical widespread use of TMS in Autism, neither diagnostically nor therapeutically. Fully designed and properly controlled clinical trials are warranted to evaluate the true potential of TMS in ASD.
For readers who are not familiar, transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, is a non-invasive method that uses electromagnetic fields to stimulate tissue cells, or neurons, in the brain. TMS can be used either to study or to manage neurological and mental strength conditions.
If a single session of TMS is applied, researchers can observe the response to the stimulation and use that information to make predictions about how the brain functions. In the way, we use TMS to study the mind. These particular session studies are not intended to be therapeutic.
Alternatively, if TMS is applied in repetitive stimulations over several sessions we refer to this as “repetitive TMS,” or rTMS. This method has the knowledge to change the response of the brain for several weeks to months after the order of sessions.
By analogy, it’s the same asking someone who isn’t a musician to play a song on a piano by showing him or her some sheet music. But if you did this every time for six weeks (the typical schedule for therapeutic rTMS), the person strength learns to play the song on the piano.
Alternatively, when TMS is applied in repetitive stimulations over various sessions we refer to this as “repetitive TMS,” or rTMS. This method has the ability to change the answer of the brain for several weeks to months after the group of sessions.
By analogy, it’s related to asking someone who isn’t a musician to perform a song on a piano by showing him or her some sheet music. I did it already, that may be a method to study a person’s natural ability. But if you did this every time for six weeks (the typical schedule for therapeutic rTMS), the person might learn to play the song on the piano.
In different words, how long should the sessions be? How many sessions? How often? At what intensity? Like a medicine study, we have to understand how many TMS is needed to lead to behavioral changes and still be safe and tolerable. Does the need to be scaled up or down depending on the age of the individual or other co-occurring neurological or mental conditions?
TMS connected to a single part of the brain isn’t likely to improve all the basic symptoms of autism. But it may improve particular symptoms. Currently, it’s not clear which symptoms may be more or less sensitive to TMS.
To date, studies have mostly focused on verbal adults. But TMS may have a greater impact on a growing brain. We need to convey larger studies that enroll both verbal and nonverbal individuals and children and adults in order to begin recognizing the subgroups of people who are most likely to react to TMS.
Just one reported study has included a blinded sham control condition. That’s where neither the researchers nor the participant knows who’s getting the actual treatment and who’s getting the sham treatment until after the study is over. Hence, it’s currently unclear how much of the conclusion reported in the other twelve published studies were due to a placebo effect.
Despite all the earlier cautions, I don’t want to give the opinion that I don’t see promise for TMS as a future treatment in ASD. Quite the opposite, I continue to focus my analysis career in this direction.
So while I can’t currently support the use of TMS as a treatment for ASD outside of a research setting, I can assure you that my colleagues and I will stay to wholeheartedly pursue research to answer the questions we’ve suggested. Probably
the end result will be a safe and effective new approach option for individuals with ASD.
Existing data confirms that TMS could be useful to treat some dimensions of ASD. However, such evidence must be judged with care, as most studies did not adequately control for placebo effects. Moreover, little is known concerning the most effective stimulation parameters, targets, and schedules. There is an urgent need for more randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trials, with sufficient follow-up periods, to test the efficiency of transcranial magnetic stimulation to treat these disorders. Available evidence needs to be regarded as introductory and lacking, at present, to continue offering TMS to control ASD.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a diagnostic section that encompasses a group of neurodevelopmental disorders with varying degrees of severity, sharing a common classification core dyad of important deficits in social communication and interaction, and repetitive behaviors with secured interests and activities.
