A 2024 review of 17 studies reveals that TMS treatment for autism is achieving positive results.
TMS is short for transcranial magnetic stimulation, a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It is a key component of MeRT treatment for autism.
We have shared several studies on the effectiveness of TMS for autism treatment. However, this new review is the first to come out since 2018, and it covers studies from 2018 to 2023.
You can read the full review here. However, we have summarized the key points below to help you digest this complex information.
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.” – excerpted from the 2024 report
Key Points from this New Comprehensive Review
The review states that ASD is a complex neurodevelopmental condition. It’s characterized by difficulties in social communication, interaction, and repetitive behaviors. Traditional treatments, such as behavioral therapies and medications, can be costly, time-consuming, and may not address the core symptoms effectively.
It goes on to say that TMS offers a novel approach by modulating brain activity to manage ASD symptoms. This method is safe and well-tolerated, even in children.
A comprehensive review of TMS treatment for ASD covers studies published between 2018 and 2023. The review examined:
- Study characteristics
- TMS parameters (specific settings and techniques used during treatment)
- Stimulation targets (areas of the brain targeted by TMS)
- Behavioral outcomes
- Neuroimaging changes (alterations in brain structure and function observed through imaging techniques)
Seventeen studies were included. These studies encompassed both randomized controlled trials (RCTs), where participants are randomly assigned to treatment or control groups, and open-label studies, where both the researcher and participant know the treatment being administered.
TMS treatment frequencies varied from once a week to five times a week, with intervention durations ranging from 1 to 18 weeks. The review highlighted two common TMS modes: repetitive TMS (rTMS), which involves repeated magnetic pulses, and intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS), a patterned form of stimulation. rTMS is a key component of MeRT treatment.
TMS showed improvements in stereotyped behaviors, repetitive behaviors, and social communication skills, measured using various scales and assessments.
Additionally, several studies reported changes in brain activity and connectivity following TMS treatment, suggesting its potential to affect measurable biomarkers (biological indicators) seen in brain imaging scans associated with ASD.
The review also emphasized the effectiveness of EEG guidance, which involves monitoring the brain’s electrical activity, to accurately target specific brain regions related to ASD symptoms.
This is important information, as the EEG is a key component of MeRT treatment, and why our treatment is more effective than standard TMS.
The review concluded that “TMS has positive effects on stereotypical behavior, repetitive behavior, verbal and social aspects of ASD, leading to overall improvement across all scale scores post-intervention.”