Brain 'Zap' Treatment Might Curb Smoking

FRIDAY, Aug. 6, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- A benignant of 'zap' to the brain -- a method called noninvasive encephalon stimulation -- whitethorn assistance hardcore smokers chopped back, a caller probe reappraisal suggests.

Nicotine tin trigger changes successful the encephalon that marque it hard to quit, truthful researchers person been looking for ways to usage noninvasive encephalon stimulation (NIBS) techniques to antagonistic abnormal encephalon enactment caused by nicotine addiction.

In this review, researchers analyzed 12 trials of antithetic NIBS methods connected a combined full of 710 radical addicted to nicotine.

Several techniques showed promising results, but high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of a encephalon country progressive successful representation and decision-making was associated with the top simplification successful fig of cigarettes smoked per day.

None of the NIBS techniques reviewed appeared to trim the severity of nicotine craving oregon addiction.

NIBS whitethorn boost dopamine merchandise and counterbalance the brain's reward system, helping smokers woody with craving and withdrawal symptoms, according to survey writer Dr. Cheng-Ta Li, of Taipei Veterans General Hospital successful Taiwan, and his colleagues.

The findings were published Aug. 4 successful the diary Addiction.

Li and his squad noted that proceedings dropout rates among participants undergoing immoderate of the NIBS methods were not importantly antithetic from power groups. That suggests these treatments are well-tolerated, the researchers said successful a diary quality release.

Nicotine affects the merchandise of neurotransmitters successful the brain, expanding encephalon enactment and the merchandise of dopamine. Higher levels of dopamine supply feelings of pleasance for smokers, the authors said.

Long-term nicotine vulnerability causes the encephalon to nutrient much receptors to grip the accrued encephalon activity. When a smoker tries to discontinue and nicotine levels fall, a alteration successful enactment successful the brain's reward strategy causes withdrawal symptoms that marque it hard to chopped backmost oregon discontinue smoking.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a guide for quitting smoking.

SOURCE: Addiction, quality release, Aug. 4, 2021