Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) is a non-invasive treatment method that works by applying special stimuli to the brain from the outside. During the application, no surgical procedure is performed, no anesthesia is required, and the patient is awake throughout the procedure.
How is TPS Evaluated in Psychiatric Treatments?
Psychiatric problems are closely related not only to emotions, but also to brain functioning. Areas such as mood, attention, motivation, coping with stress, and mental flexibility work together with different regions of the brain and the communication between these regions.
Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) is considered a non-surgical (non-invasive) method aimed at supporting these brain functions in psychiatric treatments. TPS is not a substitute for psychiatric treatments; in cases deemed appropriate by the physician, it is handled as a complementary approach to the existing treatment process.
In some patients, symptoms may not improve to the desired level or the treatment process may progress slowly despite medication and psychotherapy. In such cases, supportive methods targeting brain functions may come into question. TPS is one of the options addressed within this framework through the evaluation of the psychiatric specialist.
The place of TPS in psychiatric treatments is positioned within holistic approaches aimed at supporting the brain's natural regulatory and adaptive processes, rather than eliminating symptoms on its own.
In Which Conditions is Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) Used?
Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) is not used as a standalone method in psychiatric and neurological treatments; rather, it is handled as a supportive approach in cases deemed appropriate by the specialist physician.
Following the joint evaluation by psychiatry and neurology specialists, TPS may be considered in the following conditions:
Depression
It can be used to support mood-related brain functions in cases where symptoms do not sufficiently recede despite medication and psychotherapy.
Anxiety disorders
It can be considered as a supportive treatment approach in cases where persistent tension, restlessness, and a sense of mental burden are at the forefront.
Stress and trauma-related symptoms
It can be addressed within the framework of clinical suitability for emotional and mental challenges that arise after intense stress and traumatic experiences.
Attention and focus problems
It may come into question as a supportive measure following psychiatric evaluation in individuals experiencing difficulty focusing, mental slowing, and difficulty with daily functioning.
Mild cognitive complaints
It can be addressed following psychiatric and neuropsychiatric evaluation in cases accompanied by complaints such as forgetfulness, decreased mental flexibility, and a decline in cognitive performance.
Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative processes
Especially in the early and middle stages, aimed at supporting cognitive functions, it can be considered as a supportive option within a holistic treatment plan following the joint evaluation of neurology and psychiatry specialists.
Which patients TPS is suitable for and how the treatment process will be planned are determined as a result of a detailed evaluation conducted by psychiatry and neurology specialists.
How is Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) Administered?
The application of Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) is performed in a clinical setting, keeping patient comfort at the forefront. The treatment process is planned specifically for the individual following the evaluation made by the psychiatry specialist.
The application generally proceeds as follows:
- No surgical procedure is required
TPS is an externally applied method that does not involve surgery or incisions.
- No anesthesia is applied
The patient is awake during the procedure and there is no need for any anesthesia.
- The patient receives the application in a comfortable position
A comfortable environment is provided during the session.
- A special application device is used for the head region
Short-term and controlled stimuli are delivered via this device.
- Sessions are short
The application duration is generally around 20–30 minutes.
- Return to daily life is possible after the session
No rest or hospitalization is required after the procedure.
The patient's condition is monitored throughout the application process, and if deemed necessary, the treatment plan can be re-evaluated by the physician.
How Long is Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) Administered?
The duration of Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) treatment may vary depending on the planned treatment protocol and the individual's clinical condition. Therefore, there is no single standard duration for TPS.
In general:
- Sessions are short-term
Each session generally lasts between 20–30 minutes.
- The number of sessions is planned individually
How many sessions the treatment process will take is determined according to the evaluation of the psychiatry specialist.
- The treatment process can be completed within weeks
While the determined sessions are completed within a few weeks in some individuals, additional sessions may be planned in some cases.
The application duration and treatment plan of TPS are customized by taking into account the person's complaints, current treatments, and response to treatment.
Is Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) Safe?
Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) is among the applications generally considered safe because it is a method that does not require a surgical procedure (non-invasive). The treatment process is strictly planned by a specialist physician and carried out in a clinical setting.
In line with scientific studies and clinical experiences, TPS is a method that is well-tolerated by most patients.
What are the Possible Side Effects of TPS Application?
Mild and temporary effects may be observed in some individuals after the TPS application. The most frequently reported ones are:
- Mild headache
- Short-term tenderness at the application site
- Mild feeling of fatigue
These effects generally pass spontaneously in a short time and do not affect daily life.
Who Might TPS Not Be Suitable For?
As with any treatment method, TPS may not be suitable for everyone. A more detailed evaluation must be performed before the application in the following conditions:
- Individuals with a history of epilepsy
- Individuals with metal implants in their brain
- Individuals with certain neurological diseases
Therefore, before starting TPS, the person's medical history and current condition are evaluated in detail by the specialist physician.
Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) at NPİSTANBUL Hospital
At NPİSTANBUL Hospital, Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) applications are planned through the joint evaluation of psychiatry and neurology specialists. Before starting treatment, the patient's psychiatric history, current treatments, and clinical condition are comprehensively addressed.
TPS is considered as part of a holistic and personalized treatment plan, along with the medication treatments, psychotherapy, and other supportive approaches the patient is already undergoing. The goal is not to offer a standard application to every patient, but to determine the most appropriate approach according to clinical requirements.
Patients are monitored regularly throughout the treatment process, and the treatment plan can be reviewed according to clinical needs. The suitability and continuation of the application are determined at every stage in line with the specialist physician's evaluation.
At NPİSTANBUL Hospital, TPS applications are carried out within the framework of a multidisciplinary neuropsychiatry approach, in accordance with scientific and ethical principles.
