2024 Comprehensive Review Shows Promising Results from TMS Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder
TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, is a key component of our MeRT® treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
While several studies show the effectiveness of TMS on ASD symptoms, few reviews have come out since 2018. A new, comprehensive review has remedied this.
You can read the full review by clicking below. However, we have summarized the key points here.
The collective findings highlight the promising potential of TMS in the treatment of ASD.”
Key Points from the Review
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by challenges in social communication, interaction, and repetitive behaviors. Traditional treatments include behavioral therapies and medications, but these are often costly, time-consuming, and may not address core symptoms.
- TMS has the potential to modulate brain activity, meaning to alter or regulate the electrical and chemical activity in the brain. By doing this, TMS offers a fresh approach to managing ASD symptoms. It is safe and well-tolerated, even in children.
- The review covers studies published between 2018 and 2023, focusing on the characteristics of the studies, TMS parameters, stimulation targets, behavioral outcomes, and neuroimaging changes (changes in the structure and function of the brain).
- The review included 17 studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and open-label studies (in which both the researcher and participant know which treatment is being administered).
- TMS treatment frequencies varied from once a week to five times a week, with intervention durations ranging from 1 to 18 weeks. Two common TMS modes used were repetitive TMS (rTMS) and intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS). As a note, rTMS is what we use in MeRT treatment.
- TMS showed improvements in stereotyped behaviors, repetitive behaviors, and social communication skills. Different scales and assessments were used to measure these improvements.
- Several studies reported changes in brain activity and connectivity after TMS treatment. These observed changes suggest TMS can affect certain measurable indicators (biomarkers) seen in brain imaging scans associated with ASD.
- Another point in the review is that using EEG guidance helped in accurately targeting specific brain regions associated with ASD symptoms. This is important to note, as our MeRT treatment is EEG-guided TMS. That’s what makes it so much more effective than standard TMS treatments.
After TMS intervention, discernible enhancements across a spectrum of scales are evident in stereotyped behavior, repetitive behavior, and verbal social domains. A comprehensive review of literature spanning the last five years demonstrates the potential of TMS treatment for ASD in ameliorating the clinical core symptoms.”