University of South Australia researchers have made a major breakthrough in the treatment of depression after stroke, using a high frequency brain stimulation device to improve low moods.
A trial led by UniSA stroke researcher Dr. Brenton Hordacre has found that large doses of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) significantly improve post-stroke depression by increasing brain activity.
Previous studies have experimented with the use of rTMS but this is the first time that a large treatment dose – 30,000 electromagnetic pulses delivered over two weeks – have been trialled, showing positive changes in brain function.
The findings could signal a non-invasive, alternative treatment for post-stroke depression in place of medication, which can have negative side effects for many people.
