What are neurostimulators and neuromodulators?

“Neurostimulators” and “neuromodulators” are essentially different names for the same group of treatments. The treatments involve devices that modify the brain’s circuitry or activity by directly intervening inside the brain using electrical, ultrasound or magnetic energy that is applied on the scalp. Because they don’t involve taking a drug, they may be better tolerated than medication. Neuromodulators can stimulate or inhibit nerves to produce a biological response. There are lots of different types of neurostimulation including electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).