TMS, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is a non-invasive treatment for depression that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. TMS treatment is usually given 5 times per week for 4-6 weeks.
TMS therapy was cleared by the FDA in 2008 for treating major depression. Since then, it has helped thousands of people who have not responded to other forms of treatment, such as medication and traditional talk therapy.
TMS Treatment Procedure
TMS treatment is usually given 5 times per week for 4-6 weeks. Each session lasts about 37 minutes. During the procedure, you will be seated in a comfortable chair and a small coil will be placed against your head. You may feel a tapping sensation on your scalp as the magnetic pulse is delivered to the target area in your brain. The tap should not be painful. If you do feel discomfort, please let your provider know so they can adjust the intensity of the magnetic pulse. Most people tolerate TMS well and do not experience any side effects.
During each session, you will be awake and alert. You will be able to talk with your provider and ask questions during the procedure. You may also listen to music or read during treatment if you like. After the procedure, you will be able to resume all normal activities immediately. There are no special instructions or driving restrictions after treatment.
How TMS Works
During TMS therapy, a magnetic field generator is placed against your head. The magnetic field passes through your skull and stimulates the nerve cells in your brain that are involved in mood regulation. This stimulation can increase the activity of these cells and help to relieve symptoms of depression.
TMS is usually given 5 times per week for 4-6 weeks. Each session lasts about 30-60 minutes. During this time, you will be awake and alert. You may hear a tapping sound during the treatment, but you will not feel any pain.
After the treatment is completed, you will be able to drive yourself home and go about your day as usual. There are no lingering side effects from TMS therapy, which makes it a much safer option than medications or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Pros and Cons of TMS
If you suffer from depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition, you may have heard of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS is a noninvasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate the brain. While it is a relatively new treatment option, TMS has shown promise in treating a variety of mental health conditions.
As with any treatment, there are both advantages and disadvantages to transcranial magnetic stimulation. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of TMS so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not this treatment is right for you.
The Pros of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
1. TMS is noninvasive: Unlike some other treatments for mental health conditions, transcranial magnetic stimulation does not require surgery or anesthesia. You remain awake and alert during the procedure, which lasts approximately 30-60 minutes.
2. TMS has very few side effects: The most common side effect of TMS is headaches. However, this side effect is usually mild and goes away on its own after a few sessions. Some people also experience scalp discomfort at the site of the magnet during treatment.
3. TMS is FDA-approved: Transcranial magnetic stimulation is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of depression.
4. TMS is covered by insurance: Because TMS is FDA-approved, many insurance companies cover the cost of treatment.
5. TMS has been shown to be effective: In clinical trials, transcranial magnetic stimulation has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression. Research shows that TMS can also be effective in treating other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and OCD.
The Cons of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
1. TMS is not yet widely available: While transcranial magnetic stimulation is FDA-approved, it is not yet widely available. There are only a limited number of providers who offer this type of treatment.
2. TMS requires daily treatments: For most people, transcranial magnetic stimulation requires daily treatments for four to six weeks in order to be effective. This can be time-consuming and inconvenient for some people.
3. The long-term effects of TMS are unknown: Because transcranial magnetic stimulation is a relatively new treatment option, the long-term effects are not yet known. More research is needed in this area before firm conclusions can be drawn about the safety and effectiveness of this treatment over the long term.
4. There is a risk of seizure with TMS: Although seizures are rare (<1%), there is a risk of seizure with transcranial magnetic stimulation. This risk increases if you have a history of epilepsy or seizures.
Benefits of TMS
TMS is a non-invasive procedure that does not require anesthesia or sedation. It is also associated with relatively few side effects, such as headaches and dizziness. Some people may also experience scalp discomfort during treatment. In most cases, these side effects are mild and go away after a few days of treatment. For people who have not responded well to other forms of treatment, such as medication or therapy, TMS may be an effective alternative. If you are interested in learning more about TMS, please speak with your doctor.
In conclusion, TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. This type of stimulation has shown to be an effective treatment for depression, as it can change the way the brain functions. If you are interested in learning more about a center for TMS, please speak with your doctor.
