What began as a tool to map brain function is leading to new treatment for all sorts of problems.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is now helping patients who have suffered a stroke, concussion and even teenage depression.
At 15-years-old, Matt Onofrychuk was a high school football star until he had a damaging stroke.
“Probably the worst thing we had ever been through in our lives. I think the terrifying part was the waiting, because we didn’t know what was wrong with him,” Kaylene Onofrychuk, Matt’s mother, said.
The result was devastating to Matt and his family. There was so much damage to his brain that Matt had to relearn how to do pretty much everything, including walking and talking.
“He had an acute problem of one major artery in his brain that became very sick, very quickly,” Dr. Adam Kirton said.
Dr. Kirton and his team began treating Matt with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.
“It’s magnetic energy focused into a targeted area of the brain,” Dr. Kirton said.
The results were almost immediate. The fog in his brain, Matt said he was experiencing, began to lift and his recovery was underway.
The use of TMS continues to show great results in helping stroke patients and those who have suffered a concussion.
Dr. Kirton said it’s also showing great promise in treating teenage depression.
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