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TMS and Schizophrenia

Around 1% of the population develop schizophrenia (NICE 2008), and the estimated total societal cost of schizophrenia has been estimated at almost £7 billion per year in England alone (Mangalore & Knapp 2006). Neurologically, it is characterised by hypofunctioning of the frontal lobes (Weinberger et al. 1988) and widespread grey matter deficits (Zipursky et al. 1992). Impaired memory, attention and motor skills (Heinrichs and Zakzanis 1998) are specific indicators, and diagnosis is currently based on meeting certain criteria. TMS can be used to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of schizophrenia.

Repetitive TMS has been proposed as a treatment for the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. A recent systematic meta-review, for example, stated that high quality evidence suggested a short-term, medium to large treatment effect for auditory hallucinations associated with schizophrenia (Matheson et al. 2010). Another recent study found that theta burst stimulation of the cerebellar vermis is safe and well-tolerated, while offering the potential to modulate affect, emotion and cognition in schizophrenia (Demirtas-Tatlidede et al. 2010).

Several studies have uncovered evidence for reduced plasticity in the brains of certain schizophrenic patients, it is possible that this reduced plasticity can explain medication resistance and may be the reason that treatment with rTMS has some success.

References

  • Demirtas-Tatlidede et al., Schizophr Res, 2010.
  • Heinrichs and Zakzanis, Neuropsychology, 1998.
  • Mangalore & Knapp. PSSRU. 2006.
  • Matheson et al. Schizophr Res. 2010.
  • NICE Clinical Guideline 82. 2009.
  • Weinberger et al., Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1988.
  • Zipursky et al., Archives of General Psychiatry, 1992.

Products

  • Magstim 200²
    A single pulse, monophasic stimulator used for cortical and peripheral stimulation.
  • Magstim BiStim² & Upgrade
    The BiStim² is an extension of the 200². Two of the single pulse systems are combined through a connecting module, so that paired pulses can be delivered through one coil.
  • Magstim Rapid², Super Rapid², & the Super Rapid² Plus¹
    The Magstim Rapid² is a single pulse and repetitive stimulator with high frequency capabilities. It is ideal for therapeutic applications as well as a wide variety of research fields.
  • Articulated Coil Stand
    The Magstim Articulated Coil Stand arm is an elegant multi-movement mechanism capable of holding a stimulating coil over an exceptionally wide range of movement.
  • Interface Module
    The Magstim Stimulator Interface Module provides additional interface functionality for all of the 2nd generation Magstim Stimulators (200², BiStim² and Rapid²).
  • Magstim Innovations
    Developed to meet research requirements, Magstim Innovations products can help push the boundaries of neuromodulation and brain stimulation with systems that meet your specific needs.
  • Neuronavigation
    Magstim is working to develop applications that will further advance the field of Neuronavigation, and supports ANT's Visor System.
  • Air Film Coil
    The Magstim Air Film Coil is the first of a new generation of stimulating coils which allow users to stimulate for extended periods of time. This improvement has been achieved as a result of an advanced, registered method of coil design and manufacture
  • Double 70mm Coil
    The Double 70mm coil is capable of accurate stimulation of cortical areas and spinal nerve roots.
  • Double 70mm Cooled Coil System
    The cooled coil is available in the double 70mm configuration and can be run for extended periods of time without overheating thus removing the need to replace coils during protocols of stimulation.
  • Double Cone Coil
    The Double Cone Coil elicits responses from relaxed muscles of the lower pelvic floor and lower limbs.
  • Double Small 25mm Coil
    The Double Small 25mm Coil has been designed for enhanced positional accuracy in peripheral stimulation.
  • High Power 90mm Circular Coil
    The High Power 90mm Coil can be used for central motor conduction studies. The design of the coil allows between 120 and 160 stimuli at the maximum power level before requiring a few minutes to cool.
  • Medium 70mm Circular Coil
    The 70mm coil is designed for Paediatric and Infant use.
  • Small 50mm Circular Coil
    The 50mm coil is focal and effective for nerves 5-15mm deep.
  • HDCkit
    A cost-effective modular system for Direct Current (DC) stimulation, designed specifically for both research and clinical use.

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About Us

Magstim provides the means for neuroscientists to work with the human brain in awake subjects by manufacturing and supplying state-of-the-art clinical and research instruments in the fields of:

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    Magstim equipment is able to work in conjunction with many measuring technologies (fMRI/ EEG /PET/Positioning systems) so that questions about brain function can be addressed.

    Through our machines, users can assess, protect and improve the function of the nervous system in a variety of clinical and research situations.

    Our principal products are the Magstim range of magnetic nerve stimulators.

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    - Magstim Innovations

    A service designed to help researchers and other users of magnetic stimulation find the best solutions to their problems.

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