TMS
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve brain function. It's called a "noninvasive" procedure because it's done without using surgery or cutting the skin. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for treatment of depression, anxiety, Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and smoking addiction.
TMS is FDA-approved
It Can Be Used to Treat the Following:
Depression
Persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest or energy.
Anxiety
Constant worry, fear, restlessness, and tension without clear cause.
Addiction
Compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences and loss of control.
OCD
Repetitive, unwanted thoughts and compulsive behaviors to reduce anxiety.
TMS is a non-invasive treatment that usually lasts between 20 to 30 minutes per session. During procedure, you will relax in a reclined position while an electromagnetic coil is positioned close to your head. This coil is placed on your forehead, targeting the area of the brain responsible for mood regulation, and it delivers magnetic pulses to that specific region.
"The scan shows very clearly the lower amount of brain activity in the brain with depression compared to a normal, healthy brain"
What Conditions Can Benefit from TMS?
TMS is one of the most technologically advanced depression treatments available in the world. However, depression isn’t the only mental health condition that improves with TMS.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved TMS for patients with treatment-resistant depression, which means their symptoms didn’t improve with antidepressant medications. The FDA has also cleared TMS devices to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Additionally, ongoing studies show that TMS may improve other mental health disorders, including anxiety disorders, bipolar depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
What to expect during TMS?
During your TMS treatment, you stay awake and alert. The treatment is noninvasive and doesn’t require anesthesia or sedation.
You relax in the treatment chair, the device is placed against your head, and 3D imaging verifies it’s focused on the targeted area.
Then your provider turns the machine on, and the device sends the electromagnetic pulses through your scalp and into your brain. TMS only treats the targeted site without affecting the rest of your brain or body.
Most patients tolerate the treatment well. You’ll hear clicking sounds and may feel tapping. If the tapping is uncomfortable, your provider can make adjustments.
You may experience a mild headache or slight discomfort which can be treated with over-the-counter medications. You can go to work, drive, and participate in your usual daily activities immediately after your treatment.
How Many TMS Treatments Are Required?
TMS therapy includes a series of 30 sessions over six weeks. Most patients experience a positive response to TMS by the fourth week of their treatment, but you may notice the difference sooner or later than that.
Side Effects of TMS Therapy
With more than 10,000 treatments performed in clinical trials, the most common side effect associated with TMS therapy was mild-moderate scalp discomfort. Other common side effects included minor twitching around the eye, minor twitching of facial muscles, toothache, and mild-moderate headache. Side effects of TMS therapy usually resolve by the end of each treatment session period. There is a rare risk of seizure associated with TMS therapy (0.1% per acute treatment course).
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