What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy
TMS therapy is a noninvasive brain stimulation therapy that utilizes electromagnetic pulses as a way to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2008.
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Medication-free Depression Therapy
You can return to normal activities right away
You are awake during treatment
There are no negative effects on memory or sleep
It’s covered by most health insurance plans, including Medicare and Tricare
Recent study says TMS may help treat other disorders including, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Chronic pain, Nicotine addiction and Multiple sclerosis
TMS is often successful for those who haven’t responded to traditional treatments, including antidepressant medication or psychotherapy.
Helps quell symptoms associated with neurological or mental health disorders, including Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Schizophrenia
Recent study says TMS may help treat other disorders including, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Chronic pain, Nicotine addiction and Multiple sclerosis
TMS is often successful for those who haven’t responded to traditional treatments, including antidepressant medication or psychotherapy.
Helps quell symptoms associated with neurological or mental health disorders, including Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Schizophrenia
How does TMS therapy work?
TMS is considered a repetitive therapy. It works by sending the brain repetitive electrical impulses, which is why it’s also called Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or rTMS. It’s performed by a professional, called a TMS technician or a TMS physician.
The procedure is done in an outpatient setting, usually within the confines of a medical clinic. If your provider does TMS therapy inside a hospital, you’ll be able to go home afterwards. There’s no need to stay overnight.
before relaxing on a comfortable chair you’ll be asked to take off anything sensitive to magnetization, such as jewelry.
Then, your provider will hand you a pair of noise cancelling earbuds to soften the “clicking sound” produced by the magnetic pulses of the therapy.
Next, your provider will take some measurements of your head. This is done to ensure the magnetic coil is put in the right place.
Then, the coil is placed near your forehead at the front of your brain and the therapy begins.
Even with the earbuds you’ll likely hear the “clicking noise” and you’ll feel a tender tapping from the coil. An hour later the treatment ends and you’re invited to drive home on your own and resume your normal daily life.
TMS therapy success rate
Even though TMS therapy is thought to reduce symptoms for an array of mental health disorders, it’s mostly been studied to treat depression. We know through various studies and responses TMS is a promising treatment when it comes to depression. More case studies are needed to determine TMS’ success when it comes to other diseases, disorders and medical conditions.
Who is TMS for?
Side Effects
There are a few possible side effects from TMS therapy. These are not permanent and usually occur within a treatment session. Some side effects you may experience during your first few sessions, such as headaches and lightheadedness. Here are the most common side effects of TMS:
A mild headache
Impaired cognition
Scalp pain
A lightheaded or woozy feeling
Being sleepy
Head pain
Neck pain
Facial twitching
What is the cost of TMS therapy?
This therapy can cost thousands of dollars out of pocket. If you have insurance you may be covered, especially if you have medication and psychotherapy resistant depression or another mental health disorder. Get in touch with your nearest provider to figure out exact costs.
Side Effects
There are a few possible side effects from TMS therapy. These are not permanent and usually occur within a treatment session. Some side effects you may experience during your first few sessions, such as headaches and lightheadedness. Here are the most common side effects of TMS:
A mild headache
Impaired cognition
Scalp pain
A lightheaded or woozy feeling
Being sleepy
Head pain
Neck pain
Facial twitching
TMS Therapy Reviews
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TMS is a beneficial therapy that targets the brain’s nerve cells and may alleviate symptoms of depressive disorders. Recent research is saying it may also benefit other disorders like anxiety, PTSD, OCD and schizophrenia.
If you think TMS may work for you and you want to have a deeper conversation about its feasibility, talk with your provider. You may be an ideal candidate if you haven’t felt relief from traditional medication, like antidepressants and are a young person with a low risk of seizures.