Box News

En réponse au courrier de lecteurs indignés par ma chronique de février, relative à « la mémoire de l’eau », je précise ici quelques points. Une hypothèse explicative serait que les molécules sont capables d'échanger des informations sans contact physique, une molécule donnée disposant de son propre code transmis par un signal (type onde) qui modifierait la structure de l'eau et persisterait dans ce milieu après retrait de la molécule. Quand une lectrice résume l’homéopathie à des comprimés déshydratés elle confond Hahnemann (l’inventeur de l’homéopathie au 18° siècle) avec Boiron (son commercial contemporain) et néglige que les comprimés (qu’elle semble apprécier) sont imprégnés avec une solution hautement diluée avant lyophilisation qui laisse persister un peu d’eau (0,01% suffirait à transmettre l’effet…). Plusieurs équipes internationales cherchent à vérifier cette hypothèse. Ainsi un consortium de quatre laboratoires européens a montré la modulation de l'activité de certaines cellules (basophiles) par un médiateur chimique (histamine) hautement dilué (Belon et al, Inflamm Res 1999 et 2004).

On publie plus facilement sur la thérapie génique (aux succès rarissimes) que sur la mémoire de l’eau (aux résultats inconstants mais statistiquement significatifs). C'est l'absence d'explication irréfutable, et non l'absence d'effets constatés, qui justifie le rejet par les grands journaux scientifiques d'articles proposés par de nombreuses équipes. Par exemple Yolène Thomas, ex collaboratrice de J Benveniste et directrice de recherches au CNRS, s'est vue refuser longtemps ses travaux sur la transmission à des neutrophiles d'un signal moléculaire hautement dilué capable de moduler leur activité métabolique.Ces travaux furent finalement acceptés en 2000 (Med Hypotheses) parce que deux chercheurs incontestés (F Russo-Marie, directrice d'une unité INSERM et W Hsueh, directeur du Département de Pathologie à l'université de Chicago) confirmaient avoir obtenu indépendamment des résultats similaires.

Récemment, Luc Montagnier qui travaille avec d’ anciens collaborateurs de Jacques Benveniste, a publié deux articles scientifiques à propos de signaux électromagnétiques de basse fréquence émis par des bactéries ou des virus à très hautes dilutions dans l'eau (computational life science, 2009). Notre prix Nobel a créé en 2006 une société pour exploiter ces résultats (Nanectis) et est titulaire de plusieurs brevets.Des chercheurs californiens (univ La Jolla) disposent aussi de brevets sur de potentielles applications industrielles et médicales par enregistrement, amplification, stockage et transmission des signaux émis par diverses molécules. Ce groupe dispose d'un site internet où il expose ses hypothèses et résultats (http://www.nativis.com).

De nombreux facteurs peuvent expliquer que les expériences ne soient pas systématiquement répétables. Ainsi la pureté de l'eau utilisée, la forme et la composition du conteneur, la pureté des produits chimiques,les conditions atmosphériques,.. Jacques Benveniste avait montré que l'eau "informée" (modifiée par un signal moléculaire) perd cette propriété si elle est chauffée ou exposée à des champs magnétiques. C'est pourquoi les chercheurs tentent de réduire ces variables en recourant à la "biologie digitale" qui informatise les signaux. Parmi ceux qui se sont indignés de ma chronique je relève l’argument que si ça marchait, on pourrait « vendre de l’eau au prix du médicament ». C’est exactement ce que vise le californien Nativis : « turning water into drugs » promet-il !

- Jacques Testart, La Décroissance, mai 2011.

(Source : JacquesTestart.free)

Imagine an external device that could have the same effect, when pointed at a tumor, as a cancer drug. It may sound like science fiction, but a Seattle startup is already making this technology a reality.

Bioelectronics company Nativis is developing a medical technology platform that uses electromagnetic fields to mimic the effects of drugs, and the company has just finished raising $10 million to help it develop the tech. That brings its total funding to $60 million, all raised from angel investors, Nativis CEO Chris Rivera told GeekWire. The company was founded in 2002 by brothers and entrepreneurs John and Mike Butters, and after a decade developing the underlying technology, Nativis has started to test its device in human patients. “We can, we believe, replicate the effects of chemicals and drugs and modulate metabolic pathways as if a chemical or drug was present, but through electromagnetic fields,” Rivera said.

In other words, the system works by detecting subtle changes in the electromagnetic fields that surround molecules, known as a molecule’s ultra-low radio-frequency energy (ulRFE) profile. These small charges are important as they are how molecules in the body interact with each other. After collecting information on a cell’s profile, the company’s Nativis Voyager device can then single out specific kinds of molecules and alter their profile to have the same effect a drug would have when interacting with that molecule.
“This is the most novel, disruptive technology I’ve seen in my career, and assuming we can continue to do what we’re doing in vitro, in vivo, and now in humans, it has the potential to totally disrupt how we treat patients,” Rivera said. In theory, the tech could be used to attack tumors and other cancerous cells without the need for surgery or the toxic side effects of chemotherapy. It could also be used to target chronic conditions like inflammation and chronic pain. In practice, it is still very early to make a call. The device is first being studied in patients with a kind of recurring brain cancer, and those trials have advanced to the feasibility stage of testing, the first of three stages mandated by the FDA. Rivera said he was optimistic about the early results of these trials. Other clinical trials that are testing the device as a treatment for other kinds of cancer, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and chronic pain, are still in the pre-clinical stage, testing for safety.

The company has also added several high-profile biotechnology and health leaders to its board of directors in the past month, including former CFO of the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation Richard Henriques.

Rivera joined the company as its CEO a year ago. He spent the previous seven years as CEO of the Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association. Nativis employs about a dozen at its offices in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood.

(Source : GeekWire)

A La Jolla startup has made an audacious claim, even by thebiomedical industry’s standards. It says it can turn water into drugs. The company, Nativis Inc., says its technology comes from awell-established theory of physics, quantum electrodynamics. According to that theory, chemistry is based on the interactions of small packets of electromagnetic radiation called photons. Because it’s the photons that really matter, Nativis executives say, the chemical really isn’t important. Just imprint the pattern of photons on water or a similar liquid, and that liquid will carry the effect of the chemical. Nativis plans to apply the technique to drugs already on the market, making them safer, cheaper and more effective. If that claims holds up, Nativis’ drugs will go much further into hard-to-reach places such as inside the brain and cells,fighting cancer, regulating genetic activity and providing other benefits. They’ll produce less harmful side effects. In short, existing drug technology will become obsolete. However, the history of biotechnology is littered with the failures of astounding claims. And experts in quantum electrodynamics contacted by the North County Times last week were strongly skeptical. Against this skepticism, Nativis has attracted some well-known medical scientists to advise as consultants. Local biotech veteran William T. Comer is one of them. He was CEO of Sibia Neurosciences Inc. when it was sold in 1999 to Merck& Co. for $87 million. Also consulting are Gerald Yakatan,former president and CEO of La Jolla’s Avanir Pharmaceuticals, and Jerry Radich, medical director of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. A Rancho Santa Fe resident, Comer helped Bristol Myers-Squibbbring the cancer drug Taxol to market. Nativis’ first project is to test a Taxol mimic called Digitax, now in pre-clinical trials. Nativis said it plans to ask permission this fall to begin human clinical trials. Comer concedes the idea is hard to understand, and needs a lot of testing. “They’ve talked to a lot of investors who’ve had formal training in physics, and they still don’t get it,” Comer said. “I think that’s one of the main challenges. It’s just, prove it to me, show me. It’s just so radically different that I think the whole concept needs a lot of validation by well-known academic people. … That’s what the company’s trying to do.” Nativis has conducted a study of Digitax given orally to mice that the company says shows the drug had a statistically significant effect in reducing tumors. The study, which has not been published by a peer-reviewed scientific journal, also examined mice given the generic form of Taxol and control mice given no treatment. Nativis said it’s preparing to submit articles on its technology to peer-reviewed journals in the next six months. The U.S. Patent and Trade Office has issued several patents to Nativis for its technology. Advantages include lowered cost of manufacture and increased penetration into hard-to-read parts of the body, said John Butters,the company’s CEO. Digitax will be tested on patients with glioblastoma, a particularly deadly form of brain cancer. Taxol is blocked by a barrier between the blood and brain. However, the membrane is permeable to water. Butters, a Del Mar resident, said Nativis plans to apply its technology to other drugs, once it demonstrates the effectiveness with Digitax.

The idea

Nativis’ process involves two main steps, Butters said. First,it captures and records what it calls the “drug signal” of a molecule, the extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field surrounding the molecule when it’s dissolved. The pattern is what’s important, Butters said, because it’s actually what triggers the biochemical responses. In the second step, Nativis reverses the process to imprint the pattern onto “dipole” liquids such as water, with molecules that have positive and negative sides. The pattern, formed on clumps of molecules, can last for weeks, Butters said. The pattern is made up of photons, forms of electromagnetic radiation. The photons are very low-energy, he said. Higher-energy photons form radio waves,visible light and X-rays. When the liquid reaches its target, such as a cell, it delivers the photon “payload,” producing the therapeutic effect. Butters said the technology is based on quantum electrodynamics,which holds that chemical reactions are caused by how photons interact with electrons, the negatively charged particles orbiting atoms. That interaction produces an extremely low-level and faint magnetic field. It can be detected with an instrument called a SQUID, or superconducting quantum interference device, which Nativis has incorporated into its own system.

Experts skeptical

The North County Times gave several quantum electrodynamics experts at universities and national laboratories promotional material from Nativis describing the technology, and the theoretical justification from quantum electrodynamics. Peter J. Mohr, a physicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg, Md, expressed moderate skepticism. Mohr said by e-mail that while he’s not a drug chemist, “our understanding of photons or radiation emitted by a molecule is that it is unlikely to contain enough information to transmit thetherapeutic properties of the source. … Work on quantum computation may eventually change this, but it appears that practical applications are well off in the future.” Two experts replied with more strongly skeptical responses, but neither gave permission to be quoted by name. Nativis was founded in 2002 in Washington state. Butters said the company moved to La Jolla to be close to a major maker of SQUIDs, Tristan Technologies Inc. The devices are made for various applications, including measuring the magnetic fields produced by living things. Tristan was formed in 1991 by people from other local companies working with the SQUID technology. It makes brain-scanners that read the extremely faint magnetic fields produced by the brain, to help diagnose diseases. Another San Diego company, called 4D Neuroimaging, also made the scanners. In 2009 it was bought by a Canadian company, MEGInternational Services, Ltd, which moved its equipment to Temecula.From that location, MEG provides customer service, such as repairing existing machines.

(Source : The San Diego Union-Tribune)

 - So i'm trying to fix my headphones, and i'm wondering if replacing a copper wire with one of a smaller diameter will affect it's functionality ?

Yes, replacing a copper wire with one of a smaller diameter can affect the functionality of your headphones. Here's why:

1. Increased Resistance: A thinner wire has a higher electrical resistance than a thicker wire. This increased resistance can lead to a reduction in the power delivered to the headphones, potentially causing a decrease in volume or audio quality.

2. Current Carrying Capacity: A smaller wire can carry less current without overheating. If the wire is too thin for the power levels your headphones require, it could overheat or cause performance issues over time.

3. Signal Integrity: Audio signals are sensitive to changes in resistance and impedance. A smaller wire might degrade the signal, leading to reduced audio clarity, distortion, or loss of certain frequencies.

Ideally, you should replace the wire with one of similar diameter (gauge) to maintain the original performance of the headphones.

- Will it affects the functionality of my headphones even if it's a small differences, for example if use a wire of 0,75 mm² in lieu of 0,50 mm² ?

If you are replacing a 0.50 mm² wire with a 0.75 mm² wire, the difference is actually an increase in wire size (a thicker wire). In this case, it’s unlikely to negatively affect your headphones. Here's what happens when you use a thicker wire:

1. Lower Resistance: A 0.75 mm² wire has lower electrical resistance than a 0.50 mm² wire, which means it can carry current more efficiently. This would reduce power loss and potentially improve performance, although the difference may be very small in the case of headphones.

2. Better Current Carrying Capacity: The thicker wire can carry more current, so there is less chance of it overheating or failing. While headphones don’t typically draw a lot of current, having extra capacity won’t hurt.

3. Minimal Impact on Signal Quality: The difference between 0.50 mm² and 0.75 mm² in terms of audio signal quality would be negligible for most headphone applications. You’re more likely to see a problem if you were going the other way (using a smaller wire).

In summary, using a 0.75 mm² wire instead of a 0.50 mm² wire should not cause any functional issues, and might even provide a small improvement in durability or efficiency, though the impact on sound quality would be minimal.

(Source : ChatGPT)

In this review we discuss alarming epidemiological and experimental data on possible carcinogenic effects of long term exposure to low intensity microwave (MW) radiation. Recently, a number of reports revealed that under certain conditions the irradiation by low intensity MW can substantially induce cancer progression in humans and in animal models. The carcinogenic effect of MW irradiation is typically manifested after long term (up to 10 years and more) exposure.

Nevertheless, even a year of operation of a powerful base transmitting station for mobile communication reportedly resulted in a dramatic increase of cancer incidence among population living nearby.

In addition, model studies in rodents unveiled a significant increase in carcinogenesis after 17-24 months of MW exposure both in tumor-prone and intact animals. To that, such metabolic changes, as overproduction of reactive oxygen species, 8-hydroxi-2-deoxyguanosine formation, or ornithine decarboxylase activation under exposure to low intensity MW confirm a stress impact of this factor on living cells.

We also address the issue of standards for assessment of biological effects of irradiation. It is now becoming increasingly evident that assessment of biological effects of non-ionizing radiation based on physical (thermal) approach used in recommendations of current regulatory bodies, including the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) Guidelines, requires urgent reevaluation.

We conclude that recent data strongly point to the need for re-elaboration of the current safety limits for non-ionizing radiation using recently obtained knowledge. We also emphasize that the everyday exposure of both occupational and general public to MW radiation should be regulated based on a precautionary principles which imply maximum restriction of excessive exposure.

(Source : PubMed)

- Why is the right side of my headphone working intermitently ?

If the right side of your headphones is working intermittently, it could be due to several potential causes. Here are some common reasons and troubleshooting steps:

1. Faulty Cable or Connector
Cause: The headphone cable or connector might have a loose or damaged wire.
Fix: Wiggle the cable near the plug, or where the cable connects to the headphones. If the sound cuts in and out, the wire inside may be broken or frayed. Consider replacing the cable if it’s detachable, or getting the headphones repaired.

6. Loose Connection Inside the Headphones
Cause: A loose solder connection within the headphones could cause intermittent audio.
Fix: If you’re comfortable with DIY repairs, you could open the headphones and check for any loose wires or connections. Otherwise, consider professional repair.
If the problem persists after trying these steps, it may be time for a replacement or professional inspection.

- Could it be faulty contact causing it ?

Yes, a faulty contact is a very likely cause of the intermittent sound issue in your headphones. This can happen in several areas:

1. Loose or Broken Internal Wiring
Over time, the wiring inside the headphones or near the plug can weaken, leading to poor contact. If the internal wire leading to the right earcup is frayed or broken, it could cause intermittent sound.

3. Loose Connection in the Earcup
If the wires inside the right earcup aren’t properly connected to the speaker (driver), this can cause intermittent audio. This is a more common issue if the headphones have been dropped or the cable has been pulled on.

- What kind of wiring is used in headphones ?

The type of wiring used in headphones is typically multistrand insulated copper wire, designed for flexibility and durability to handle constant bending and movement. The wires usually consist of:

Copper Wires: The core conductors are made of thin, braided or stranded copper wire, which provides good conductivity for transmitting audio signals.
Enamel Coating: Each individual strand of copper wire is often coated with a thin layer of enamel (insulation), rather than traditional plastic insulation. This makes the wires very thin and flexible.
Ground Wire and Signal Wires: Inside the cable, you’ll typically find multiple strands or pairs of wires for the left and right audio channels (signal wires) and a ground wire.
For stereo headphones, the typical wires are:

• Left channel (usually colored blue or white)
• Right channel (usually colored red)
• Ground wire (often copper, gold, or green)

Wire Type to Look For:
When looking to replace the wire or make repairs, you can search for:

Tinsel wire: A common type used in headphones. Tinsel wire consists of thin strands of metal foil wrapped around a textile core, designed to be extremely flexible.
Multistrand shielded copper cable: If you need a cable with shielding to reduce interference, look for shielded cables with multiple copper strands.
Auxiliary (AUX) or stereo cable: For external cables, you can purchase replacement 3.5mm stereo cables if the connector is detachable.

Make sure to choose a cable with the right number of conductors for your headphones (e.g., 3 conductors for stereo audio: left, right, and ground). If your headphones use a microphone, you'll need a 4-conductor wire (left, right, ground, mic).

What are the diameters of those conductors ?
The diameter of the conductors in headphone wiring is typically very small due to the low current needed to transmit audio signals. These wires are often measured in AWG (American Wire Gauge), and the exact diameter can vary depending on the type of headphone and its design. Here’s a general idea of the common wire diameters used:

1. Tinsel Wire (Internal Headphone Wiring)

• Diameter: Typically between 36 AWG to 40 AWG (0.127 mm to 0.0799 mm in diameter).
• Tinsel wire is extremely thin and flexible, often wrapped in an enamel coating to act as insulation. It's designed to handle bending and twisting without breaking.

2. Multistrand Copper Wire (Internal Wiring)

• Diameter: Usually around 28 AWG to 34 AWG (0.32 mm to 0.16 mm in diameter).
• These wires are often used inside the headphone housing, and their individual strands are insulated with enamel or other coatings.

4. Shielded Cable (External)
Shielded cables (which include a layer to prevent electromagnetic interference) might have slightly thicker wiring or insulation. The conductors inside could still be in the 26 AWG to 30 AWG range (0.40 mm to 0.25 mm in diameter).

Practical Consideration:
For most headphone repairs or DIY wiring, you’ll likely be working with 32 AWG to 40 AWG wires for internal connections, and 22 AWG to 28 AWG wires for external connections like detachable cables. If you're buying wire for repairs, you may want to search for "ultra-fine enamel-coated copper wire" or "tinsel wire" in those gauge ranges.

Le gland, le fruit du chêne, dont la forme décrit par ailleurs une houppe, était considéré par les Druides antiques comme le grain de la Science Divine.

Les éléments précédents peuvent donc nous permettre de conclure que le Cordon à Houppes Dentelées qui orne la loge maçonnique forme l’allégorie la plus parfaite des frondaisons des chênes bordant la clairière ou le bosquet sacré des Druides...

Pour les Celtes et leurs Druides la forêt est le Temple par excellence. Comme le soulignent Françoise Leroux et Christian-J. Guyonvarc’h dans leur livre Les Druides :

« La forêt et le temple sont, pour les Celtes, des notions équivalentes, synonymes ou interchangeables. »

Les témoignages des auteurs anciens sont formels sur ce point. Selon Lucain, s’adressant aux Druides :

« Vous habitez de profonds sanctuaires dans des bois reculés.»

D’après Pline l’Ancien :

« Les Druides n’ont rien de plus sacré que le gui et l’arbre qui le porte, supposant toujours que cet arbre est un chêne. A cause de cet arbre seul ils choisissent des forêts de chêne et n’accompliront aucun rite sans la présence d’une branche de cet arbre si bien qu’il semble possible que les Druides tirent leur nom du grec. »

- Jean-Claude Cappelli, Des Origines Païennes de la Franc-maçonnerie. Tome I. Des Origines Druidiques (Lulu press, 2011), p.47

Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) characterized by its patterned delivery of magnetic pulses at a frequency that mimics the brain’s natural theta rhythms. Theta waves are associated with certain brain functions, including memory, emotions, learning, cognitive tasks, deep relaxation and sleep. 

With TBS delivering stimulation that resembles natural brain wave rhythms, it may achieve therapeutic effects more quickly and longer-lasting. TBS is thought to induce changes in neuroplasticity – the ability for the brain to reorganize and heal itself by forming new neural connections –  which is an important aspect for recovery from various mental health conditions.

TBS sessions are shorter, typically lasting 3 minutes and have generally been well-tolerated, making it suitable for a wider range of individuals in search of more choices in their path to healing.

Similar to TMS, Theta Burst therapy is straightforward and non-invasive. The typical 40-minute session required for TMS has been drastically reduced to 3 minutes with TBS, enhancing both patient comfort and the ease of undergoing treatment. Additionally, the stand-alone TBS treatment is considerably more cost-effective than traditional TMS treatment, despite being equally or more effective, largely because of its shorter duration. TBS has been studied in various clinical trials and has shown promise in the treatment of conditions like depression and OCD. In 2018, this treatment has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and may thus be covered by your insurance.

(Source : TMS Center of Ventura)

Theta-burst stimulation is a more powerful type of transcranial magnetic stimulation, a proven form of treatment for illnesses like depression. The original treatment uses a magnetic-field-generating device that subjects the brain to low-frequency magnetic pulses. The magnetic field elicits a response in the brain’s neurons, which communicate using electricity. While the old form of treatment took up to 40 minutes per session, high-frequency theta-burst stimulation takes only three minutes per day – a distinct advantage, according to CAMH’s Daniel Blumberger. “At 40 minutes, you can treat eight people in a day,” said Blumberger, a clinician scientist at the centre who provides the treatment to his patients. “At three minutes, you can treat 25 people in a day with one machine.” This new form of magnetic pulse therapy also works on the same wavelength as the brain itself. “It capitalizes on one of the brain’s natural rhythms,” Blumberger said. “The theta frequency is a frequency that the brain operates at when it’s learning new things and when it’s changing. So it capitalizes on the principle of neuroplasticity.” The procedure is simple and non-invasive, involving a hand-held wand to deliver bursts.

(Source : CTV News)

— Dans la recherche de la lucidité somnambulique, il importe d'utiliser exclusivement les procédés magnétiques. Le magnétisme, ou irradiation physiologique, diffère essentiellement de l'hypnotisme auquel on a tenté de l'indentifier. L'hypnotisme, au moyen de chocs émotionnels déterminés soit par l'excitation sensorielle, soit par suggestion verbale, détermine un état second, l'hypnose, dont une des phases, bien qu'ayant reçu le même nom de somnambulisme, ne présente pas les mêmes caractéres que le somnambulisme magnétique. On peut même dire que les deux somnambulismes sont inverses. Celui qu'on obtient sous l'effet de la fascination ou de la suggestion intériorise le psychisme et en réduit l'activité à un monoïdéisme caractéristique ; celui qui se produit sous l'action de passes magnétiques, saturant l'encéphale et la partie supérieure du corps, provoque une extériorisation, une extension du champ de la conscience et c'est en raison même de cette extériorisation (qui peut aller juqu'au dédoublement) que survient la lucidité, c'est-à-dire la perception métagnomique dans l'espace et dans le temps. La plus fréquente manifestation de la lucidité est d'ordre auto et altéroscopique.

- Paul-Clément Jagot, Traité théorique et pratique de la double vue , (Paris : Éditions Dangles, 1939), p.150-151

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a non-surgical brain stimulation method used to treat various mental and neurological conditions. Introduced in 1985, it gained FDA approval in 2008 for treating severe depression. rTMS uses electromagnetic pulses to activate brain nerve cells, and is often paired with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It’s helpful for conditions like bipolar disorder, depression, OCD, epilepsy, migraines, and nicotine addiction, and is now being explored for tinnitus treatment. Conducted in a clinic, it’s a convenient option for patients. Magnets are crucial in rTMS, similar to their use in MRI machines for detecting cancer and injuries. These strong magnets in rTMS influence brain activity, showing promise in treating various conditions, including tinnitus.

During TMS Treatment

During TMS, patients sit comfortably as an electromagnetic coil is placed on their head, targeting specific brain areas. Jewelry and other metallic items must be removed to avoid interference. The process, known as rTMS, is non-invasive and doesn’t require anesthesia, often completed within 20 to 30 minutes. Patients may feel a tapping sensation and hear clicking noises, similar to an MRI machine, and are provided earplugs for comfort and hearing protection – it is important to note that failure to protect the ears during TMS can affect normal hearing and result in permanent hearing loss. To make the experience as easy as possible, the treatment intensity is adjusted based on the patient’s response.

After TMS Treatment

Post-TMS, patients can immediately resume normal activities and drive themselves home. However, some patients may experience temporary discomfort at the treatment site, headaches, lightheadedness, tingling, or facial muscle spasms. Following initial sessions, subsequent treatments are typically shorter, with the entire process spanning 6 weeks of daily stimulation. Maintenance treatments may be necessary after symptom recovery.

Who Can Benefit From TMS?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is primarily for adults (18 and older) with mental health conditions like depression and OCD, especially those resistant to medications and other treatments. However, it’s not suitable for everyone. Patients with metal implants, such as bullet fragments in the head, or those with a history of seizures are typically ineligible. Cost is also a consideration, as TMS therapy can be expensive and insurance coverage is not guaranteed. Most insurance companies only cover TMS for Major Depressive Disorder, often after other treatments have been tried. The financial aspect can be a barrier for uninsured patients, limiting their access to this therapy. Despite these limitations, there are more affordable and effective alternatives available for treating these conditions.

Safety Features For TMS Treatment

One of the most important safety considerations for rTMS devices is how well they’re able to consistently deliver the pulses. The output should be consistent throughout treatment, and it’s very possible for component failure or drift to affect efficacy. Every TMS device must demonstrate its ability to indicate it’s functioning optimally. Since the same therapy is provided at every session, the device must be able to recreate the same conditions throughout the treatment process. The initial rTMS session is the longest, and patients aren’t expected to go through finding their motor threshold and coil placement every single session. The FDA deems recalling these presets an important safety feature for rTMS devices. rTMS devices should also have some type of features or components to prevent overheating. The risk of burns, though rare, is still a real possibility and should be disclosed to patients receiving TMS. Alarms should also be present to alert the treatment administrator of any problems with the device.

Types Of TMS

Before we explore how TMS can help with the treatment of tinnitus, we have to understand what the treatment entails. This will make connecting those complicated dots easier.  TMS treatments can take different approaches to treat specific conditions. This can involve using a different pulse pattern, or magnetic coils. rTMS is TMS that involves using repetitive pulses during treatment at low-frequency 1Hz (1 pulse/second) or high-frequency 5-10Hz (5-10 pulses/second). Theta-burst stimulation or TBS is an accelerated form of TMS. TBS uses triple bursts, emitting 15 pulses in a single second, with sessions lasting as little as 1 to 3 minutes. dTMS or Deep TMS uses H-shaped helmed coils to penetrate deeper into the brain. This makes it more effective at treating OCD and other conditions such as autism and PTSD.

rTMS Treatment For Tinnitus

For chronic tinnitus, patients often explore various treatments before finding relief. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) has emerged as a potential therapy, with its effectiveness still under study. This non-invasive method is being researched for its ability to reduce tinnitus severity. Patients considering rTMS can expect a thorough medical review, including lifestyle, family history, and any conditions like high blood pressure or mental illness that might relate to tinnitus. A physical exam focuses on identifying any external causes of tinnitus, examining the inner ear, head, and neck. The American Tinnitus Association recognizes rTMS as a promising treatment. It’s thought to work similarly to how it helps in depression, targeting brain areas linked to tinnitus perception like the primary auditory cortex, dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex. These brain regions, along with the amygdala, anterior insula, and hippocampus, are associated with tinnitus-related symptoms like stress and sleep disturbances. Studies show mixed results, but some indicate that rTMS can decrease tinnitus severity. A significant aspect is the oscillatory activity in the auditory cortex and other brain regions. Increases in alpha power in the auditory cortex have been linked to reduced tinnitus severity, while decreases can intensify it. Research suggests that a series of 10 rTMS sessions might aid tinnitus management for up to four years. However, the effectiveness depends on the correct stimulation protocol, as incorrect application could worsen symptoms.

So Far, The Science Says:

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS can be used to treat many conditions. High-frequency rTMS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is the acceptable TMS treatment for depression. However, the TMS settings and protocols differ when dealing with chronic tinnitus. Administrators of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation must understand the importance of making the necessary adjustments on a case-by-case basis. Studies on rTMS treatment for tinnitus that show promise have some similarities, but there is a glaring difference in protocol parameters. This is what we know so far from the information collected from several randomized controlled studies:

- Frequency
Low frequency rTMS can reduce activity in the auditory cortex and other non-auditory areas related to tinnitus perception.
- Pulse rate
Overstimulating the auditory cortex during TMS therapy can have the opposite effect, increasing tinnitus loudness or intensity
- Treatment location
Most of these studies involve single-site therapy at the auditory cortex, however, two randomized controlled studies have investigated triple-site therapy. The studies that treated the temporoparietal junction (TPJ) showed no clinical efficacy. Single-site therapy that targeted the auditory cortex (AC) and posterior superior temporal gyrus (STG) shows potential in reducing tinnitus loudness.
There is no significant difference when triple-site therapy is used. Dual-site therapy of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and left temporal cortex (TC) is more effective than single-site DLPFC therapy. In one placebo controlled study, bilateral DMPFC stimulation had made a significant difference in the lives of patients with chronic tinnitus.
- Baseline and outcome measures
Tinnitus questionnaires are useful tools for establishing clinical efficacy, as they’re used to measure tinnitus perception, severity, impact, and its characteristics. Two of the most commonly used questionnaires are the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI).
PET and MRI imagining are useful tools for highlighting the metabolic and functional changes of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment. Electroencephalography (EEG) is useful for observing differences in VAS scores and brain wave frequencies.

The majority of clinical trials we’ve studied say repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation rTMS has the potential to be worthwhile for the treatment of tinnitus. Stimulating the auditory cortex and other non-auditory parts of the brain may be just the thing. The current obstacle is the standardization of rTMS treatment for tinnitus. Further clinical trials should establish protocol for chronic tinnitus treatment and open the doors for futuristic treatments.

Is TMS For Tinnitus Safe?

The safety and efficacy of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for tinnitus are still under FDA review, with over two decades of studies and clinical trials. Despite its potential, there are unresolved issues and concerns regarding the treatment’s application. One major factor is the type or brand of the TMS system. Effective treatment relies on specific characteristics of the magnetic fields, including size, penetration, and shape. Accurate coil placement, current direction, and coil type are crucial for successful treatment outcomes. Another area of debate is the stimulation parameters. While the standard frequency for rTMS is 1Hz, higher frequencies may be more effective for tinnitus. Continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) is being explored, but its efficacy remains uncertain. Determining the correct stimulation intensity is critical. This involves establishing the patient’s resting motor threshold (rMT), a process not uniformly addressed in existing studies, leading to uncertainty in treatment protocols. Large-scale, multi-site studies are needed to fully understand rTMS’s safety and effectiveness in treating tinnitus. These studies would help answer important questions about how factors like tinnitus duration, cause, patient age, and age-related hearing loss impact treatment outcomes, as well as determining the best measures for evaluating treatment success.

(Source : TrebleHealth)