TMS works via a number of complex pathways. One mechanism in particular, appears to involve opioids, which are the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals. When TMS stimulates the brain area involved in pain, there is a significant release of these natural opioids. They work in conjunction with several other brain chemical systems to create long-term changes to the brain cells involved in pain. This provides substantial pain relief beyond the time of stimulation.
For pain management, an area of the brain called the primary motor cortex (M1) is typically targeted. A range of other, different regions of the brain could be stimulated to address other forms of pain, including but not limited to, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia and migraines.
