Has anyone had transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)?

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Alyoop

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DX UMND/PLS
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I was wondering if anyone has had transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as part of either their Dx tests, or tets for progression?

I went to Sydney 2 years ago To a MND specialist, to try and convince my husband that I had no signs of MND (which at that time I did not). They wanted to do TMS but decided it was too risky as I have epilepsy and it could cause a seizure.

I was reading about it and it can show deterioration of motor nerves in both PLS and ALS. I am becoming rather keen to take the risk, But I would need to go to Australia I think.

Any personal info would be appreciated.

Aly

( spending far too much time trying to prove my husband is overreacting)
 
Aly, can you describe what TMS is? As part of my diagnosed I had some tests where a hand held loop type device was placed near my head and when it was charged it would make a snap sound and my hand would jump. I didn't ask the doctor at the time but along with the original EMG and several NCV studies I understand that it was a major test in my diagnosis and I was given the diagnosed shortly after that test. And at that time I had no limb symptoms, only bulbar.

Here is an interesting article I found that explains how TMS can help identify upper motor neuron impairment.

http://www.neurologyreviews.com/oct04/nr_oct04_ALS.html
 
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Thanks for the article Barry. It sounds like that is what you had as part of your work up. It looks like they use a device on your head and use small shocks. You encouraged me to dig a bit deeper.
I see it only shows UMN involvement, I was hopeing that it would show if there was any LMN, so I got that wrong. I have heaps of UMN signs so no point, and I see it also can set a seizure off, so won't risk losing my lescense again.

Much appreciated and Thanks again.

Aly
 
Aly,
Research it well because that article is from 2004.Great article though Barry!If you find out they have different accurate conclusions, maybe you could take Lamictal or something before if it didn't affect test results.I would go to Australia for that!A lot of that kind of stuff reaches dead ends sometimes.

Like when I researched the Power Plate to combat atrophy.I know it stops it in space without gravity, but I doubted it affected it when motor neurons are not available to a greater extent.Common sense was not satisfied. I have one but do not use it after Joel said treat my body like a battery(not exact quote).
 
hi aly.
the tms is not used to diagnosed umn disease ,during the early stages it can ofton be normal.
it can be used to evaluate progression later on.
one pls'er i knew had it done,he was quite advanced and he said it showed up the areas umn weakness.
really in the early stages its not a accurate diognostic test...........and later it only confirms clinical symptoms.
i would not waste your money or take the risk.
 
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