Transcranial magnetic stimulation
TMS (also called repetitive TMS, or rTMS) has been extensively studied for the treatment of depression, and the FDA is considering an application from Neuronetics for approval of their TMS delivery system for depression. The University of Michigan participated in this clinical trial, and the results have been promising. If the FDA grants approval to rTMS, it would occur around 2007-2008. rTMS can be used 'off label,' before the FDA grants formal approval. However, off-label treatment generally means that insurance companies will not pay for the treatment. The Neuromodulation program is in the processing of establishing procedures for rTMS therapy, in anticipation of FDA approval. It is also expected that the treatment will be available for off-label use, prior to actual approval, in mid-2008.
