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This article will provide an in-depth comparison of neurofeedback and TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) for cognitive improvement.
Introduction
Cognition, or how the brain functions, can change over time. Your cognition refers to the way that you are able to develop, learn, and function relating to things like:
- Brain capacity
- Memory
- Attention
- Decision making
- Problem-solving
- Comprehension
- Creativity
With good cognitive skills, you are able to do things like read a book, think of a solution to a problem, retain information that someone tells you, and pay attention when your family is talking to you. It also helps you remember what you have to do for the day or which appointments you have and make decisions.
Cognitive changes can result from brain injuries, mood disorders, mental health issues, physical health problems, or age. However, cognitive skills are crucial for maintaining and improving development. With the right cognitive support, you can continue to improve your focus, mental health, and overall well-being.
Today, there are two cutting-edge brain-based therapies: Neurofeedback and TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation).
What Is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback, sometimes called EEG biofeedback, is a non-invasive procedure that measures your brain activity with the goal of helping you alleviate symptoms or improve cognition. It works by connecting to a computer program that measures your brain waves, based on the feedback you get from different signals.
The goal is to learn which of your brain waves might be inhibiting others, so you can improve cognition, behaviors, and emotional regulation. Much like TMS, neurofeedback works well through neuroplasticity. It can be particularly useful for individuals being treated for epilepsy, which TMS cannot treat.
What Is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive procedure where you sit in a comfortable chair and have electrodes placed on your head. The device on your head sends electromagnetic pulses into targeted brain regions. The technician administering the procedure will first map your brain during the first few sessions. They will then decide where and with which intensity to stimulate different brain areas.
The purpose behind this is to help provide deep stimulation in areas of the brain that cannot necessarily be reached with things like medication, offering relief from mental health disorder symptoms and improving cognition.
Neurofeedback vs TMS: Key Differences
What are the key differences when comparing TMS therapy vs. neurofeedback?
-Treatment Approach
One of the biggest differences in the treatment approach is that neurofeedback can help people improve cognition after a brain injury or with Alzheimer’s. However, TMS is FDA-approved to treat mental health disorders.
Neurofeedback focuses on providing clients with feedback about their brain activity so that they can work toward controlling their brains more effectively. The goal here is to improve different cognitive abilities, such as:
- Attention
- Concentration
- Focus
It has been used to help elderly individuals improve their cognition and monitor cognitive changes for those with Alzheimer’s and MCI.
TMS has been FDA-approved for depression and OCD but can also be used to treat things like:
- Bipolar disorder
- Anxiety
- Smoking
- Addiction
- BPD
- ADHD
- Regular cognition
-Target Areas
When comparing TMS vs. neurofeedback, TMS can target any area of the brain associated with the desired improvements. For example, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is often targeted for depression and anxiety.
-Level of Invasiveness
Neither neurofeedback nor TMS are invasive treatments. For both, you sit in a chair with electrodes attached to the head.
But with neurofeedback, you watch a screen or listen to something while receiving real time data on your brainwave patterns. With TMS you have electromagnetic pulses sent into the brain to help improve brain function.
-Treatment Duration
Treatment sessions for neurofeedback typically last 30-40 minutes, while TMS sessions usually range from 20-40 minutes. Both therapies require regular sessions, usually lasting a few weeks.
TMS vs Neurofeedback: Effectiveness for Cognitive Improvement
There is limited clinical evidence for Neurofeedback, but decades of clinical research support the effectiveness of TMS for mental health conditions.
-Success Rates
Both neurofeedback and TMS show significant results, with improvements lasting between six months to one year. TMS tends to have a longer-lasting effect.
-Factors Affecting Effectiveness
Factors that impact the efficacy of TMS therapy vs. neurofeedback include things like:
- The consistency with which you receive treatment and attend sessions
- The power of the TMS device and stimulation
- The expertise of the provider
Neurofeedback vs TMS for Depression
When comparing neurofeedback vs. TMS for depression, one major difference is that neurofeedback is only FDA-approved for stress relief. TMS is approved for major depressive disorder, anxious depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
-Neurofeedback for Depression
There are insufficient clinical trials to substantiate the efficacy of neurofeedback for depression compared to TMS therapy. While some studies indicate promise, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. There are often inappropriate control conditions in the studies, and neurofeedback is typically used as a supplement, not as a complete replacement.
-TMS Therapy for Depression
Literature reviews report that response rates for those with MDD to TMS are between 50% and 55%; the remission rates for those with treatment-resistant depression average 30% of participants.
Literature reviews across 12 studies and hundreds of patients have confirmed that TMS can decrease the severity of symptoms and in one quarter of cases, lead to complete remission. FDA approval has been official since 2008 and since that time new research and imaging has found that targeting the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex leads to clinical improvements in the neural networks.
Several clinical TMS sites have confirmed that TMS therapy is highly effective for depression, especially where antidepressants proved ineffective. That change is long-lasting as well, with over 37% remission rates, and the majority of participants have been enjoying relief from their symptoms for well over one year.
Conclusion
Overall, if you’re looking for cognitive improvement, you can choose neurofeedback or TMS depending on your personal preferences and goals. It’s essential to consult healthcare providers to determine which option is best for your individual cognitive needs.