New robotic arm helps Veterans
The new and innovative robotic arm with a Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) machine is used for research and clinical care for Veterans with various health problems.
The VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS), Headache Center of Excellence, now houses a new and innovative robotic arm with a Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) machine at its Livermore site.
TMS is used for research and clinical care for Veterans with various health problems. VAPAHCS is only the second VA site in the nation to provide reduced provider-patient interaction and precise positioning of the stimulating coil to deliver this brain stimulation treatment.
Brain stimulation with TMS is an FDA-approved treatment for major depressive disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder, and is clinically administered at various VA hospitals. Using guidelines established by FDA and clinical researchers, the VAPAHCS Headache Center of Excellence uses TMS to treat headaches, chronic pain, cognitive function, and depression in Veterans with traumatic brain injury.
Drs. Adamson, Harris, Timmerman, along with the HCOE interdisciplinary team, are currently supported by VA, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in research clinical trials. They hope to collaborate with other departments to provide this treatment clinically to Veterans.
"Our state-of-the-art equipment and protocol for treatment of these health problems highlight our commitment to Veterans, innovation, and precise clinical delivery through evidence-based research practices," said Dr. Adamson.
