Chapter 9 Neurophysiological characterization of magnetic seizure therapy (MST) in non-human primates

Abstract

The rationale behind attempting to improve upon electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) through inducing the seizures magnetically hinges on the supposition that the magnetic stimulus would yield better control over the magnitude and distribution of electrical current induced in the brain and of the site of onset and patterns of spread of the resultant seizure. The chapter presents a non-human primate model for the characterization of the neurophysiological effects of magnetic seizure therapy (MST) and electroconvulsive shock (ECS)-induced seizures to test that premise. Results from three preliminary studies employing this model support the notion that, relative to ECS, MST yields better control over intracerebral patterns of electric field distribution and seizure generalization. These two factors are considered central to the efficacy and side effects of convulsive therapy. The enhanced control that MST provides opens the door to improving the risk-benefit ratio of this highly effective treatment for mood disorders.