Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a safe and effective treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate different areas of the brain. TMS is non-invasive (does not require surgery) and non-systemic (does not affect the entire body). It is an extremely effective and well-tolerated treatment for depression, anxiety, and OCD. TMS therapy can be used alone, or in conjunction with other treatment modalities including behavioral therapies and medication. Plus, it’s covered by most insurance. Here’s an inside look at TMS:
Why Haven’t I Heard of TMS Therapy Before?
What Happens During a TMS Treatment Session?
During TMS treatment, patients recline in a treatment chair and remain awake and alert. A TMS magnet is positioned over the patient’s head to stimulate specific areas of the brain responsible for mood regulation. These areas are known to be underactive in those diagnosed with depression and stimulating these areas can improve the brain’s ability to regulate mood.
What is Involved in TMS Treatment? Are There Side Effects?
A typical course of TMS therapy involves 36 sessions spread out over about nine weeks. Each session takes about a half hour, and patients can drive to and from treatment and resume all normal activities right after a session. TMS is very well tolerated. Mild scalp discomfort can occur during active treatment, and there is a rare risk of headache that is easily treatable with Tylenol or Motrin.
What Does TMS Feel Like?
Patients report that the TMS pulses feel like taps on the scalp. Sometimes, this light tapping sensation on the scalp can feel a bit uncomfortable, but this eventually dissipates as the patient acclimates to treatment. For the few who experience discomfort, TMS technicians have several ways to ensure treatment is tolerable:
- Slightly shifting the angle of the magnetic coil to relieve the magnetic force of the facial nerve that is causing discomfort
- Lowering the stimulation intensity to improve comfort until tolerance is built
- Sometimes, the treatment location can be modified
Most patients do not experience discomfort and acclimate to treatment within the first few treatment sessions. While treated with TMS, patients may read, work, watch television, or speak with their TMS technician. After each session, patients can immediately return to their daily routines.
Who Is A Typical TMS Patient?
The typical patient who is seen in a consultation for TMS is someone who has not been able to tolerate or who has not responded to several antidepressant trials and, despite these medication trials in combination with therapy, remains symptomatic of their depression or OCD. However many individuals come to Neuro Wellness Spa for TMS who have never been on an antidepressant, and TMS is a fabulous treatment for new-onset depression despite no medication trials. Most insurance companies require that patients fail several medications before approving TMS coverage. At Neuro Wellness Spa we offer reasonable cash pay rates for complete TMS protocols as well as theta burst protocols for individuals who would not meet insurance coverage criteria. Contact us today to learn more.
What Have Our Patients Said About TMS Therapy?
Interested in TMS Therapy?
Neuro Wellness Spa is a leading provider of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). If you are interested in TMS or have any questions about TMS or any other treatments we offer, we invite you to visit our website or contact us.