3 Minute Express TMS Treatment in Los Angeles, California
Many people suffer from Major Depressive Disorder and/or Anxiety Disorders. However, it may take up to 10 weeks after starting an antidepressant to notice improvement, and even then, symptom improvement only occurs in about one third of patients.
For patients, it can be frustrating to wait weeks for a medication to take effect only to experience no reduction in anxiety symptoms, or worse, unwanted medication side effects.
Antidepressants are not effective for everyone. In addition to conventional therapies, there is another treatment option: Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS). Although TMS has been FDA indicated since 2008. Theta Burst Stimulation received its own FDA indication for the treatment of depression in 2018.
Theta Burst Stimulation or TBS is an “express” TMS treatment. Treatment with Theta Burst Stimulation takes 3 minutes to complete. Neuro Wellness Spa is a proud provider of express TMS treatment in the Los Angeles area. Contact us today to learn more about this treatment option.
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy?
TMS treatment is both non-invasive and non-systemic. It has fewer side effects than other treatments. In some cases, no side effects at all. Other treatments rely on deep brain stimulation or vagus nerve stimulation. Unlike those treatments, TMS does not require electrode implantation or surgery. It will not cause seizures or require the use of anesthesia sedation. In fact, TMS will not affect cognitive function. Patients can go about daily activities following treatment.
With multiple psychiatry clinics in Los Angeles, we show you exactly how the TMS treatment process works before your first session. When you make an appointment, you’ll see in person how TMS looks, and feels.
TMS therapy is FDA indicated and safely treats symptoms of OCD, depression, and anxious depression. It relies on the use of magnetic energy. This stimulates parts of the brain affected by mental health disorders.
It began as a treatment option for non-responsive depression. Since, it has grown to include other disorders as well. However, it remains a depression alternative treatment option for many people. The Neuro Wellness Spa is one of the top providers of TMS treatment in Los Angeles.
What Is 3-Minute Express TMS?
Traditional transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a safe and effective treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain. TMS was first FDA cleared in 2008, and it has been utilized for over 10 years to treat depression that has not responded to conventional medications or therapies.
The FDA recently approved another type of TMS: Theta-Burst Stimulation. This treatment is also called Express or 3-minute TMS. Traditional TMS uses pulses occur at a regular, repetitive frequency. Theta-burst stimulation is distributed to the brain in patterned clusters of magnetic pulses. The pulses target parts of the brain responsible for mood regulation.
What is the difference between TMS and TBS (TMS vs TBS)?
TBS stands for theta-burst stimulation. TBS is a form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Traditional TMS pulses occur at a regular, repetitive frequency. Theta-burst pulses occur in short triplets like patterned clusters of magnetic pulses. Theta-burst stimulation can deliver the same number of pulses as traditional TMS treatment in a shorter amount of time. Like TMS, TBS is FDA-approved and uses gentle magnetic pulses to nurture specific areas of the brain responsible for mood regulation.
How Does 3-Minute TMS Work?
During Theta Burst Stimulation treatment, like TMS treatment, patients sit comfortably in a treatment chair with a magnet placed above their head. The magnetic coil transmits pulses to the front region of the brain. When pulses are being administered, the patient will hear a clicking sound (similar to an MRI). They may also feel a tapping on their scalp.
Most patients find the treatment easy to tolerate. TMS treatment does not involve sedatives, anesthetic, or hospital stays. Instead, TMS is non-invasive and patients remain awake and alert.
Typically, a treatment protocol using Theta Burst Stimulation treatment takes three minutes per day, five days per week, for an average of four to six weeks.
If you would like to learn more about Theta Burst Stimulation for depression, contact us today.
*TMS is FDA-cleared for depression, migraine, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, cigarette cessation, anxious depression, adolescent depression, and chronic post-traumatic/surgical pain. Research indicates that TMS to also be helpful for bipolar depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Other uses for TMS therapy are considered “off-label.” However, there is a growing body of research indicating the potential benefits of these off-label applications for a variety of mental health conditions. Please consult with a psychiatrist to learn more about TMS and off-label uses.
What Makes Theta Burst TMS Different?
Faster
For most patients, express TMS provides noticeable symptom reduction after 8-10 sessions (2 weeks of treatment) unlike medications which may take months. Treatment sessions with Theta Burst Stimulation are short. One Theta-Burst Stimulation treatment only takes three minutes to complete compared to a traditional TMS treatment which takes 20-45 minutes.
Both TMS and Theta Burst Stimulation are effective and typically consists of 36 treatment sessions over 9 weeks. However, theta-Burst Stimulation drastically cuts down on a patient’s total amount of time in the office.
Low Risk of Side Effects
Antidepressants may cause side effects including:
- Weight gain
- Sexual dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Sleep Disturbance
- Dry Mouth
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Headache
- Blurred Vision
Some patients find themselves stopping antidepressant medications because they cannot tolerate the side effects.
Express TMS is a non-invasive and highly tolerable procedure. The most common side effect is mild scalp discomfort during active treatment. Other possible side effects include mild headache and fatigue.
It is important to note that Theta-Burst Stimulation treatment is not ECT, or electroconvulsive therapy. ECT is an invasive procedure that has more severe side effects including confusion and memory loss. TMS does not require anesthesia, and its side effects are mild.
Great Success Rates
Express TMS has been shown to be a highly effective alternative to traditional TMS. For many patients, express TMS may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Due to its efficacy, more insurance plans are offering coverage for Express TMS.
Most patients experience notable improvement with TMS by session 8,9 or 10 (about two weeks after starting treatment) as opposed to medications which may take 4-6 weeks to relieve symptoms,
To schedule a consultation for Express TMS, contact us online or by phone.
Conditions We Treat
- Depression
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Panic Disorder
- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Bipolar Disorder
- Post-partum Depression
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Substance Use Disorder/Addiction
- Eating Disorders
- Insomnia
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Cognitive Impairment
- Dementia
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Autistic Spectrum Disorder
- Chronic Pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Fatigue
- Stress/Burnout
Our Locations
Brea
Pasadena
FAQ – 3 Minute Express
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Does 3-Minute Express TMS Work?
3-minute TMS has been shown to change the neuron activity in the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for mood regulation. In patients with depression, the prefrontal cortex is commonly dormant. With TMS, magnetic pulses activate this area of the brain.
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Who Is 3-Minute Express TMS for?
TMS is FDA indicated for people with Major Depressive Disorder who have not experienced satisfactory relief from at least one antidepressant.
Contact our team at Neuro Wellness Spa to learn more about express TMS, or to schedule a complimentary consultation.
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Who Shouldn’t Consider 3-Minute Express TMS?
TMS should not be used in patients who have:
- Implanted magnetic devices, such as aneurysm clips or cochlear implants. Dental fillings and piercings are not magnetic devices.
Our experts at Neuro Wellness Spa are happy to discuss if 3-minute TMS may be an effective treatment option for you.
