Israeli Helmet Technology Offers New Hope for Addiction Treatment
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
An Israeli company has developed a non-invasive helmet that uses magnetic stimulation to treat addiction by targeting underlying trauma and anxiety. The technology, which involves short sessions, has shown promise in improving patients' conditions over multiple treatments and may have future applications for cognitive enhancement.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli technology uses a helmet for magnetic brain stimulation to treat addiction.
- The treatment targets underlying issues like trauma and anxiety, not just addiction.
- The non-invasive helmet therapy lasts 15-20 minutes per session.
- Improvements are seen over 20-40 treatment sessions.
- The technology may also be used for cognitive enhancement in the future.
A novel Israeli technology utilizes a specialized helmet to deliver targeted magnetic stimulation to the brain, aiming to treat addiction by addressing underlying issues like trauma and anxiety. Shira Salpeter, CEO of the Shabtia rehabilitation center where the helmets are used, explained that addiction is often a coping mechanism for deeper emotional pain. The non-invasive helmet treatment involves 15-20 minute sessions where it emits magnetic pulses to regulate specific brain regions.
Before treatment, patients undergo an initial assessment to create a personalized stimulation protocol. During the session, the patient wears the padded helmet, experiencing mild tingling as the device delivers deep electromagnetic stimulation to areas affected by trauma or depression. Salpeter emphasized that this method is less intrusive than some pharmaceutical treatments for conditions like PTSD and anxiety, and is particularly beneficial for individuals who haven't responded to medication.
While a single session doesn't produce immediate results, Salpeter noted significant improvements observed over a course of 20 to 40 treatments. She also suggested the technology holds potential for enhancing cognitive functions, such as improving concentration, beyond treating existing conditions. Salpeter expressed excitement about the nascent possibilities of this technology, stating, "This sounds fascinating."