What is Brain Stimulation ?
Non-invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS) – innovative, effective and safe
Advances in the field of brain stimulation or neurostimulation are of central importance in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Hardly any other field of science has achieved such success in recent years as technology-supported developments in the fight against diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, strokes or depression.
New clinical pictures resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, such as long Covid, post-Covid and neuro-Covid, as well as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), or fatigue syndrome for short, which has once again become the focus of scientific attention, are also proving to be easily treatable with Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS).
Brain stimulation and neurostimulation: collective term for technical medical treatment procedures
The terms brain stimulation and neurostimulation are often used interchangeably. Both refer to technical procedures that aim to directly or indirectly influence the activity of neurons in the brain in order to improve cognitive functions and emotional processes or to treat neurological and psychiatric disorders. These different procedures can be invasive or non-invasive.
Invasive and non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS)
Invasive brain stimulation requires surgical procedures to place electrodes or devices in or near the brain. One example of this is deep brain stimulation (DBS). In this method, electrodes are implanted in specific areas of the brain associated with movement disorders or psychiatric illnesses. Electrical impulses are then delivered to these areas to modulate neuronal activity. DBS is often used to treat Parkinson’s disease, dystonia and essential tremor.
Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) does not require surgery and is therefore more accessible for most people. Methods commonly used today include Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS).
Overall, the field of brain stimulation offers promising possibilities for the treatment of neurological or psychiatric diseases or disorders.
These forms of neurostimulation can increase cognitive and motor skills and positively influence brain metabolism in diseases such as depression, autism or ADHD. NIBS methods can therefore make a significant contribution to improving the quality of life of patients and their relatives.
Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS): Relevant for healthcare systems
Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) could play a significant role in improving our healthcare systems in the future. These methods offer more efficient treatment options with fewer side effects, which can lower treatment costs and reduce the treatment burden for patients. They also offer important alternatives for patients who cannot tolerate conventional drugs.
In addition, they could be used preventively to slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, reducing the burden on healthcare systems in the long term. By contributing to the development of personalized therapeutic approaches, these technologies could not only improve patient care, but also enable a more efficient use of healthcare resources. Intensive research is being conducted worldwide to determine their full effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.