Jornal de Pesquisa do Cérebro

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is Being Looked into as a Potential Treatment for Chemo Brain

Abstract

Pavani Stuehm*

Cancer treatment has come a long way, offering hope and extended lives to countless individuals worldwide. Chemotherapy, one of the most common forms of cancer treatment, has saved countless lives. However, it comes with a significant drawback cognitive impairment, often referred to as "chemo brain." This phenomenon has long been a subject of concern among cancer survivors and healthcare professionals, as it can severely impact a patient's quality of life. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a potential treatment for chemo brain. This article explores the concept of chemo brain, its impact on patients and the emerging role of TMS in alleviating its symptoms. Chemo brain is a colloquial term used to describe the cognitive deficits that cancer patients may experience during and after chemotherapy treatment. While it has been widely reported and acknowledged, chemo brain is not yet fully understood in terms of its underlying mechanisms. Patients often complain of difficulty with short-term memory, forgetfulness and difficulty recalling words or names. Chemo brain can result in reduced ability to focus, maintain attention, or multitask effectively. Patients may experience a noticeable slowdown in their ability to process information, which can affect decision-making and problem-solving.