Depression is a horrible disease that can suck out happiness and the will to live in a person. Personally I have encountered a family member suffering from it and know how this trying disease can affect the rest of the family members. Physiatrists will apparently have a new device to help them treat their patients. The Magnetic brain stimulator is a device that uses transcranial magnetic stimulation that sends an electromagnetic pulse two to three centimeters into the brain, stimulating prefrontal cortex and paralimbic blood flow, which in turn increases the serotonin output as well as the dopamine and norepinephrine functions. This new device cuts the need of putting the patients under anesthesia and the procedure can be performed in the psychiatrist’s office. The patient can go home after the procedure is completed.

There are about ten companies planning to develop this device. Many forms are being developed that includes the featured handheld unit and a “cap” resembling a beauty-parlor hair dryer. Besides depression the device also shows promise in treating migraines, though that aspect is yet being tested.
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