What Is TPS?
Transcranial Pulse Stimulation Explained
Transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) is an innovative, non-invasive neurostimulation method developed to support the treatment of Alzheimer’s dementia and meaningfully complement existing therapeutic approaches. Approved (CE marked) in Europe since 2018, TPS has established itself as a promising option in the care of mild to moderate dementia, introducing new possibilities within modern treatment concepts.
Note for international patients: TPS is currently CE marked in Europe and is offered at our practice in Zurich and at our specialized partner practices. In the United States, TPS is considered investigational and has not received FDA clearance for clinical use.
Alzheimer’s Dementia: A Challenge of Our Time
Alzheimer’s dementia is the most common form of dementia and affects millions of people worldwide, making it a major medical and societal challenge. Typical symptoms include memory loss, language difficulties, and disorientation — all of which progressively intensify as the disease advances. At the same time, the brain of affected individuals experiences a gradual loss of nerve cells and disrupted communication between neural networks, so cognitive processes become increasingly inefficient. The result is a steady decline in cognitive and everyday functional abilities. This is exactly where TPS comes in: it is designed to stabilize remaining functions while also encouraging the formation of new neural connections.
Forms of Dementia: Alzheimer’s and Beyond
In addition to Alzheimer’s dementia, the primary indication for TPS, there are other forms of dementia, including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia, which differ significantly in cause, symptom profile, and progression. At present, TPS is primarily approved for patients with Alzheimer’s dementia, but ongoing research is increasingly investigating its potential in other dementia types to further expand the therapeutic reach of the method.
What Does TPS Stand For?
Patients often ask: “What is TPS?” or “What does TPS mean medically?” The abbreviation TPS stands for transcranial pulse stimulation and describes a modern neurostimulation procedure. Specifically, short mechanical impulses, known as shockwaves, are delivered through the skull and directed at the brain. These pulses are intended to activate selected brain regions, prompting targeted neuronal activity. The goal is to support cognitive performance and help maintain or improve existing functions.
How Does Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) Work?
TPS uses focused shockwaves that are generated electromagnetically and precisely controlled using the Neurolith® device. Unlike ultrasound, these are single pulses with a high pressure amplitude. They act mechanically on brain tissue and can stimulate neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to form new connections.
Technical Details
- Frequency: 4–5 Hz (one pulse every 200–250 ms)
- Penetration depth: up to 8 cm
- Energy: up to 0.25 mJ/mm² (tissue-compatible)
- Target areas: precuneus, frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes, among others
An integrated camera system enables real-time navigation based on each patient’s individual MRI data.
Biological Effects: What Happens in the Brain?
The shockwaves activate mechanosensitive ion channels. This sets in motion a cascade of processes that increase key neurotransmitters and growth factors:
- Serotonin & dopamine rise (mood-related neurotransmitters)
- GABA decreases (the brain’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter)
- BDNF, VEGF, GDNF, and EGF increase — all key signals for neuroregeneration, vascular growth, and neural stem cell activity
The role of EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) is particularly relevant in this context: EGF is a well-described driver of neural stem cell proliferation and is closely tied to the brain’s capacity for regeneration. Together with VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), these signals support cerebral blood flow, the formation of new neurons (neurogenesis), and stronger connections between existing neurons (synaptogenesis).
The TPS Treatment Process — What Treatment with TPS Looks Like
Before starting therapy, a detailed medical consultation takes place. During this conversation, individual eligibility is carefully assessed and all questions about treatment with TPS are addressed. On request, recent MRI scans can be integrated to define target areas with even greater precision and prepare the therapy optimally.
On the day of treatment, the patient takes a seat in a comfortable treatment chair while the medical team positions the transducer (the treatment applicator) on the head. Specialized software and an infrared tracking system make sure the shockwaves reach exactly the intended brain areas. The procedure itself is completely painless — many patients listen to music or simply close their eyes during the session.
A standard course of treatment with TPS consists of 6 sessions spread over 2 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 40 minutes. If patients respond well to the therapy, regular maintenance sessions roughly every 4 weeks are recommended. Booster sessions and combinations with other methods such as rTMS may also be useful to support long-term outcomes.
Clinical Studies and Effects of TPS
Multiple studies show meaningful improvements in cognitive performance after only a few sessions of treatment with TPS. Antidepressant effects have also been observed. Particularly compelling: TPS appears to activate neural stem cells and promote long-term changes in brain networks — likely mediated in part through growth factors such as EGF, BDNF, and VEGF.
The illustration shows a simplified model of the cellular effects of TPS. The shockwave impulses reach the cell membrane and may stimulate mechanosensitive processes there. This mechanical stimulus can trigger biological signals that are associated, among other things, with the activation of BDNF and VEGF. BDNF stands for Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and is an endogenous growth factor that supports nerve cells and is linked to learning, adaptation processes, and neuronal plasticity. VEGF stands for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and plays an important role in the formation and supply of blood vessels, which may support circulation and regenerative processes. The illustration therefore does not describe a single treatment effect, but visualizes a possible biological mechanism through which TPS may positively influence brain networks.
Side Effects and Contraindications of TPS
Overall, TPS is considered very well tolerated. Possible side effects are usually mild and short-lived (for example, local skin irritation). TPS should not be used in patients with:
- Coagulation disorders
- Cortisone therapy within the past 6 weeks
- Implants in the head region (e.g., cochlear implants)
- Brain tumors or severe vascular disease
Is TPS Covered by Insurance?
TPS is currently not part of standard health insurance coverage, and the cost is generally not automatically reimbursed. Some supplemental insurance plans may contribute partially to the treatment cost, so it is worth clarifying coverage with your provider on a case-by-case basis.
For patients from the United States: Because TPS is investigational in the U.S., it is typically not covered by U.S. insurance plans. Patients considering treatment in Zurich or at a partner practice should plan for self-pay arrangements and may request a written cost estimate.
Does TPS Affect Stem Cells?
Research shows that TPS can promote the growth and differentiation of neural stem cells, both in cell cultures and in vivo. This effect is based on mechanotransduction — a process in which mechanical stimuli trigger biological signaling pathways, including growth factor cascades involving EGF, BDNF, and VEGF. This connection between TPS, stem-cell biology, and regenerative neuroscience is one of the most exciting research frontiers in modern brain therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions About TPS
Are there patient experiences with treatment with TPS?
Yes — many patient reports already exist, describing improvements in cognitive performance, in some cases after only a few sessions. Family members often notice better day-to-day functioning. Individual responses can vary.
What does TPS mean medically?
TPS stands for transcranial pulse stimulation. It is a form of neurostimulation that uses focused shockwaves to support the treatment of neurodegenerative conditions, with Alzheimer’s dementia as its primary indication.
How safe is treatment with TPS?
Treatment with TPS is considered safe and well tolerated, provided that contraindications are respected. Side effects are usually mild and temporary.
How quickly does TPS work?
Studies have shown initial improvements in cognitive performance after as few as 6 sessions — the equivalent of a standard 2-week treatment course.
Does TPS support neuroplasticity?
Yes. By activating neurotransmitters and growth factors such as BDNF, VEGF, and EGF, TPS supports neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new connections.
Is TPS approved by the FDA in the United States?
As of today, TPS is CE marked in Europe but has not received FDA clearance in the United States. International patients who wish to access TPS therapy can do so at our practice in Zurich or at our specialized partner practices.
Can TPS be combined with rTMS?
Yes — TPS can be combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Many patients benefit from a complementary approach in which TPS provides deeper stimulation while rTMS supports cortical network activation.
Who is a candidate for TPS?
TPS is primarily considered for patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s dementia. Eligibility is determined individually during the medical consultation, taking into account diagnosis, current medication, and overall health.
Conclusion & Contact
Treatment with TPS offers a novel, non-invasive option in the care of Alzheimer’s dementia. With its focused shockwave technology, growth-factor effects (EGF, BDNF, VEGF), and supportive mechanisms for neuroplasticity, transcranial pulse stimulation has earned its place in modern neuro-therapy. Combined with precise diagnostics and personalized planning, the chances of benefit can be optimized.
Schedule your initial TPS consultation today. Our team in Zurich and at our partner practices is happy to advise you personally.
Learn more about the Neuro-Spa Group!
Note: TPS is still an evolving field of clinical research. Treatment should always take place under medical supervision.