Magnetic Seizure Therapy (MST) pertains to the use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to induce a seizure for therapeutic purposes. Developed as an alternative means of therapy of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) while maintaining the same efficacy, MST provides a more precise method in localized seizure induction. Based on the same principle of electromagnetic induction TMS follows, a strong alternating magnetic field is produced that penetrates through the skull unimpeded and induces an intense electrical current at the targeted area on the brain. By applying enough current, a controlled seizure can occur providing the same result as ECT but with reduced implicated cognitive side effects. Due to the enhanced control, MST represents a way of focusing stimulation only to the targeted areas and reducing any external stimulation that may take place during an ECT treatment.
MST is still currently at an early stage of development.
Current Research Projects involving MST