Stroke recovery therapy may be on the verge of a revolution with the development of a groundbreaking treatment. Ottawa stroke patient Gordon Bryant recently participated in a clinical trial for a non-invasive therapy that aims to stimulate specific parts of the brain to improve rehabilitation outcomes. Ultramodern transcranial magnetic stimulation techniques were employed to directly target areas of the brain affected by the stroke.
Unlike traditional rehabilitation methods, this cutting-edge technology significantly enhances the brain’s ability to undergo rehabilitation and therapy. The treatment prepares the brain for the physical exercises and repetitions required to recover from a stroke, optimizing rehabilitation sessions.
During the trial, Bryant underwent 15 sessions of transcranial magnetic stimulation, guided by an MRI image that pinpointed the hot spots in his brain to target. The sessions lasted approximately one hour, with 30 minutes dedicated to mapping out the optimal brain areas to stimulate and 30 minutes for the therapy itself. After each session, Bryant immediately proceeded to his regular rehabilitation exercises.
Bryant reported feeling minimal sensations during the treatment, noting that it was mostly a silent and still experience. However, he believes that the therapy has made a noticeable difference in his recovery. Dr. Jodi Edwards, a scientist and director of the Brain and Heart Nexus Research Program at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, shares this optimism. Although transcranial magnetic stimulation is currently not approved in Canada as a medical device for stroke patients, Edwards hopes that ongoing trials will provide positive results that can pave the way for broader adoption of this innovative therapy.
FAQ:
Q: What is transcranial magnetic stimulation?
A: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain.
Q: How does transcranial magnetic stimulation benefit stroke patients?
A: Transcranial magnetic stimulation can help stroke patients by directly targeting the areas of the brain affected by the stroke, preparing the brain for effective rehabilitation and optimizing recovery outcomes.
Q: Is transcranial magnetic stimulation approved in Canada for stroke patients?
A: No, currently transcranial magnetic stimulation is not approved by Health Canada for use as a medical device to treat stroke patients. However, ongoing trials are being conducted to gather evidence for potential approval in the future.
Sources:
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