What are the Advantages of Transcranial Pulse Stimulation?
TPS is an Outpatient Therapy that can reach the Depths of the Brain
In the field of modern brain or neurostimulation procedures, transcranial pulse stimulation offers several relevant advantages both in the physical-medical functional area and for those affected themselves:
- Spatial precision: TPS allows for higher spatial precision in stimulating brain regions compared to e.g. TMS and tDCS due to its MRI navigation. The low-energy shock waves can be targeted to small, specific brain areas, while the magnetic or current fields in TMS and tDCS are less focused.
- Deep stimulation: TPS can reach deeper brain structures that are harder to access for TMS and tDCS. This is because shock waves are better able to penetrate through the bones of the skull and through the brain tissue.
- Non-invasive: TPS is an almost always painless and non-invasive method of brain stimulation that is generally considered safe and well tolerated. In contrast, TMS and especially tDCS can cause pain or discomfort in some individuals.
- Adaptability: TPS offers the possibility to adjust the stimulation parameters such as frequency, intensity and duration of the shock wave pulses. This allows for a more individual and targeted treatment for each patient.
- Shorter sessions: TPS sessions are shorter than TMS or tDCS sessions, which can save time for patients and practitioners.
- Potentially fewer side effects: Compared to TMS and tDCS, TPS has fewer side effects, such as headaches, dizziness or skin irritations, according to previous studies and application experience. If they occur at all, they disappear within a short time without the need for drug intervention.
- No restriction of everyday life: TPS is performed on an outpatient basis. An inpatient stay is not necessary. The patients are not subject to any restrictions with regard to their everyday life. No preparatory or follow-up measures are necessary for the TPS treatment.
- Medication is continued: According to the latest scientific studies, TPS can expand drug therapy and its potential. Discontinuation of medication is neither necessary nor desirable.
The aforementioned points are the state of the current scientific data. In current studies and investigations, further relevant mechanisms are currently crystallising that can induce the TPS shock waves in the neurological or psychiatric therapy area. Further studies are needed to fully understand and evaluate these mechanisms of action.