Metamaterial For Depression Treatment

     Circular magnetic coils are used to stimulate regions of the brain via transcranial magnetic stimulation. A common problem with depression patients is that their medicine stops working causing   them to seek alternative medicines or the same medicine in higher dosages. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is an alternative treatment for patients with this issue. With transcranial magnetic stimulation, through these special coils, neurologists can access deeper regions of the brain and send an electrical signal that stimulates the brain in such a way that the depression lessens. Instead of the traditional eight shaped coils, the set of 64 coils helps make it easier to reach places of the brain with the electric stimulation that the former couldn't reach. Although this is not a large improvement on the initial type of magnetic coil used, it is a big step in the right direction. The shape of the coil definitely plays a big role in the strength and reach of the magnetic and electric field produced.

     I believe that although this method doesn't work 100% for everyone, it still introduces possibilities for helping treat those with depression. Depression is a disease that affects a large portion of Americans. Many of these individuals continue to suffer with the disorder as their medicines do not cause significant change or the side effects of the medications are too potent to ignore. Having an alternative method that isn't too invasive helps provide options for those with depression. With technology and biomedical developments such as these, we are only getting closer to finding cure for this neurological disease and many others as well.









http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131029104441.htm