Brain Mapping - How It Works

Dr. Carole Orem-Hough practices as an independent psychotherapist and clinical psychologist in South Portland, Maine. Dr. Carole Orem-Hough also operates WholeBrainMaine, where she connects patients with brain mapping and other neurological health services.

A brain map provides information on which parts of the brain may need help to function optimally. Brain mapping, also known as quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG), is used to help target treatment in personalized TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). 

A brain map starts with an analysis of brain waves as measured by external electrodes. The procedure involves the recording of an EEG, digital data collection and then analysis with various algorithms. These algorithms compare the patient's values with normative baseline values and is expressed as a map of brain function. 

WholeBrainMaine uses the services of 2 specialists who analyze the brain for TMS. Jay Gunkelman from Brain Science International in California and Dr. Richard Powell of Advanced Neurodiagnostics in Nevada provide individualized analysis of an EEG and give suggestions for treatment. Dr. Miles Simmons, Medical Director of NeuroHealthMaine evaluates their suggestions and creates a prescription for TMS. Such services as brain mapping make NeuroHealthMaine a cutting edge TMS treatment center.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression

Dr. Carole Orem-Hough serves as a Licensed Psychologist and Managing Director of NeuroHealthMaine, a medical service company that offers brain-based treatments for psychiatric conditions. Through this company, Dr. Carole Orem-Hough provides clients with access to transcranial magnetic stimulation. Treatment is prescribed by a physician.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, is a non-pharmaceutical and non-invasive therapy that can be used to treat major depression and other brain-based conditions such as anxiety, migraines, OCD and others. Presently, the FDA and the insurance companies approve TMS for major depression that is resistant to treatment. This means the person has not responded sufficiently to medication and/or not been able to tolerate the medication due to side effects. Insurance requires a patient try at least four different medications, one from a different class and a patient must do psychotherapy.

When resistance to treatment occurs with medications, statistics suggest that with depression each subsequent medication taken results in an even lower chance of success for the next. These patients may find relief with TMS. TMS works by sending electromagnetic pulses into those areas of the brain that contribute to the brain-based disorder. The pulses come from a device that is placed on the patient's head on the specific area to be treated. For the treatment of depression, a series of rapid pulses pass through the skull and into the brain, where they stimulate nerve cells that are typically underactive. With other disorders it may require slow pulses to treat overactive areas.

Statistics show that up to 50 percent of patients with depression respond to TMS, despite failure to benefit from medication. Approximately 33 percent of these individuals experience complete freedom from symptoms -- remission. Relief can last permanently or the patient may need to return for a shorter booster treatment at some time.