TMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, whereby an electromagnetic coil is placed over a patient’s scalp and certain regions of the brain are targeted with magnetic pulses that depolarize neurons.1
There is some evidence suggesting that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is useful in the treatment of depression associated with bipolar disorder.2,3 However, there are fewer studies of TMS in bipolar mania.1 One systematic review identified several studies of TMS in bipolar disorder, including two studies comparing TMS with sham therapy in bipolar mania and some open-label studies (as well as some less conclusive data), which taken together suggest a possible treatment effect in favour of TMS.1 However, more studies are needed to fully understand how TMS can best help people with bipolar disorder.1
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