New recommendations for action
non-invasive brain stimulation.

A small but important step in the right direction.

A contribution by Jürgen Zender

   
   

The recommendations for action published in the Ärzteblatt on July 11, 2023 deal with the use of non-invasive brain stimulation methods (NIBS, Non-Iinvasive brain stimulation) for the treatment of mental and neurological disorders.

The NIBSTechniques use electrical or electromagnetic currents to stimulate specific areas of the brain. This may prove particularly beneficial for the treatment of Parkinson's, as many patients prefer these non-invasive methods and quite a few consider such treatments exclusively.

Two well-known techniques within NIBS are transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, while tDCS uses low-level electrical currents to increase or decrease neuronal activity.

These recommendations for action, which were developed by the Center for Responsible Research and Innovation (CeRRi) of the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO and partners, serve as guidelines for the future development and implementation of NIBS. They take into account the needs and fears of different user groups, including patients, medical students, specialists in psychology and neuroscience, practitioners, industry representatives and legal experts.

A key aspect of the recommendations is the consideration of issues that are often overlooked, such as the ergonomics of the treatment setting and access to reliable information. In addition, the recommendations emphasize the need to promote the use of NIBS in practice and at home, to improve training in the techniques and to clarify insurance issues.

With regard to promoting innovation in the field of non-invasive brain stimulation, the recommendations call for targeted support for new forms of cooperation between science and industry and the creation of a legal framework that offers researchers certainty.

In summary, the recommendations for action suggest that non-invasive brain stimulation methods such as TMS and tDCS have great potential for the treatment of mental and neurological diseases. However, successful implementation requires improved cooperation between different stakeholders, secured access to reliable information and a clear legal framework. Especially for patients who avoid invasive methods, NIBS could represent a significant step towards effective, patient-friendly therapy options.

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