The Physics, Mechanism, and Application of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Abhinav Gupta

Abstract: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a form of Neuromodulation, a non-invasive method to modulate neural activity in the human brain. The basis of TMS originates from Michael Faraday?s work on the principle of Electromagnetic Induction. The electric pulses flow through a coil, ultimately inducing current in targeted brain areas and modulating the brain as required for various clinical conditions. Furthermore, the availability of different types of coils enables multiple forms of TMS, each having its unique use as exemplified by Single-pulsed for Migraine treatment, Paired-Pulse for studying Brain Activity, Repetitive TMS to address symptoms associated with Depression, PTSD, OCD, Chronic pain and other neuro-psychiatric conditions. All these types of TMS continue to make scientific progress and help the community, particularly by targeting specific parts of the brain that could mitigate suffering, alleviate symptoms, and address large-scale disability amongst populations.

Keywords: Neuromodulation, Magnetic Pulse, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Current, TMS, Coils, EEG, qEEG, Waveform

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 9, September 2023,

Pages: 2032 - 2037