Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: Possible Cure For Tinnitus

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, ILLINOIS, USA. A transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy in a non-invasive way may help individuals who are suffering from tinnitus commonly known as the ringing in the ears. Currently, there is no cure for this condition. If this therapy becomes very effective then it can provide relief to at least fifty million Americans who suffer from this condition.

There are at least 16 million Americans who seek medical care for tinnitus. Also, there are 2 million Americans who are seriously incapacitated by the ringing in their ears. This condition refers to the sound perception in one or both ears without any external source. An individual may hear clicking, ringing, chirping, hissing, roaring and whistling sounds.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has been approved since 2009 for the treatment of patients who have major depression. Dr. Murali Rao from the Loyola University Medical Center is the lead investigator. Studies show that the use of TMS benefited patients with tinnitus. The therapy produced good results to patients who suffer from both depression and tinnitus.

The therapy is completely non-invasive. The patient simply sits on a padded chair then a magnetic coil is placed next to the left side of the head. Short pulses of magnetic fields are sent to the surface of the brain that stimulate the brain cells. The currents affect the mood-regulatory circuits in the brain which benefited patients who suffer depression. The treatment lasts for about 35-40 minutes.

Further studies will be made by enrolling 10-15 patients who will receive treatment five times a week. The therapy will last for about a month to a month and a half. Patients can instantly continue with their normal activities since the therapy does not cause seizures or memory loss.