Advanced Training at Harvard’s DEACONESS
HOSPITAL
This
year, a small group of scientists and physicians
from various countries met at Harvard Medical
School’s Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
laboratories to teach and learn about a
futuristic way to study and treat the human
brain.
The majority of attendees were neuroscientists
already conducting studies with TMS. Also
present was Bruce Welch, MD, an American
psychiatrist, stating:“I think the ratio of
researchers to clinicians attending the
fellowship reflects where TMS is right now:
currently a very useful tool for how the brain
works with promising future as a tool to treat
neuropsychiatric illness”
TMS Fellows and Professors at Deaconess’
Neurology Dept.
In
the photograph on the right, Dr. Welch is
stimulating the left cerebral hemisphere of his
doctor/subject causing his right index finger to
predictably move.
Stimulation of other parts of the brain produces
movements or perceptions that would be
associated with that part of the brain
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
uses powerful electromagnetic energy to
affect brain functions...
Dr.
Welch is utilizing a device that locates where
the electromagnetic stimulator is relative to
his subject/professor’s brain. He is looking at
the three dimensional magnetic resonance imaged
brain of his subject while following the
real-time location of the electromagnetic
stimulator via the three dimensional, vectoring
image that is guiding the doctor in the
placement of the electromagnetic stimulator.
An EMG sensor records the specific facial
muscle that is the target of the aimed
stimulation.
The yellow tip of the image (right) points to
the exact part of the brain that stimulated the
muscle’s response.
Using the same principles, Dr. Welch prepares to
stimulate the “visual cortex” of his subject.
The resultant splashes of light (phosphenes) are
better seen if the subject’s eyes are covered.
“We had no hesitation volunteering as each
other’s subject for TMS, nor did the faculty and
staff “, says Dr. Welch “It appears to be very
benign, and didn’t hurt a bit.”
“This technology is definitely going to be a
part of the future of applied Neuropsychiatry.
It is not only a fantastic new way to map out
brain functions, it is already being used to
successfully improve treatment-resistant
(psychotherapy and medication therapy-resistant)
Major Depression and Obsessive compulsive
disorder. “
Other continuing education completed by Dr.
Welch at Harvard include...
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Addiction Medicine
Psychiatry: an intensive weeklong update
and review
Psychopharmacology: 32-hour independent
learning course
Reported by:
Alexander Milman, 2002