The Physics of Neuromodulation
Based on Faraday’s Law of Induction, rTMS utilizes a rapid magnetic flux (generated by a figure-8 coil) to induce an secondary electric current in the underlying cortical tissue. This current depolarizes pyramidal neurons, effectively "firing" them.
By controlling the frequency of these pulses, we can either excite or inhibit neural activity:
- 10Hz (High Frequency): Excitatory. Used on the Left DLPFC to treat depression by "waking up" hypoactive circuits.
- 1Hz (Low Frequency): Inhibitory. Used on the Right DLPFC to dampen anxiety or hyperactive limbic responses.
The iTBS Protocol (Theta Burst)
The Cortex Institute employs the advanced Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) protocol, modeled after the Stanford SAINT™ trials.
Mechanism
iTBS mimics the natural firing rhythm of the hippocampus (Theta waves), allowing the brain to learn new patterns 3-5x faster than standard rTMS. A single 3-minute iTBS session delivers the same neuroplastic potency as 37 minutes of standard stimulation.
Accelerated Treatment Course
Unlike traditional 6-week courses, our accelerated protocol compresses treatment into 5 days. Patients receive 10 sessions per day (hourly intervals), capitalizing on the "spacing effect" of synaptic potentiation. This typically results in remission rates of ~79% for Treatment-Resistant Depression.
Targeting & Precision
We do not rely on the "5cm rule." Every patient typically undergoes fMRI-guided stereotactic navigation to locate their specific Left DLPFC coordinates, ensuring the magnetic beam hits the precise target.
[ BEAMSHIP RADIUS: 2.5cm ] Target: Left DLPFC