What is TMS?
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What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
In 2008, the FDA approved the use of Transcranial magnetic stimulation, TMS, as a treatment for major depression and a medically cleared as a proven effective solution for other mental disorders. TMS is a noninvasive form of brain stimulation that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. TMS devices operate completely outside of the body and affect central nervous system activity by applying powerful magnetic fields to specific areas of the brain that we know are involved in depression.
TMS therapy provides local electromagnetic stimulation to specific brain regions known to be directly associated with mood regulation.These areas are known to be underactive in those diagnosed with depression. Stimulating these areas can improve the brain’s ability to regulate mood.
TMS doesn’t require anesthesia and it is generally exceptionally well tolerated as compared to the side effects often seen with medications and electroconvulsive therapy, (ECT). The most common side effect is a headache during or after treatment. A rare but serious side effect is seizures, and TMS may not be appropriate for people at high risk such as those with epilepsy, a history of head injury, or other serious neurologic issues.
TMS is a safe and effective treatment for individuals diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) who have not experienced satisfactory improvement from antidepressant medication or who feel medication is causing unwanted side effects. TMS Therapy can be used as a stand-alone treatment or used in conjunction with medication.
What to Expect from TMS therapy?
Major Depressive Disorder
Your doctor and you, in collaboration, will decide if TMS may be right for you. You will then meet one of our therapists who will take a full history and conduct an evaluation, which will include objective tests and scales for depression, fatigue etc. This will be done regularly during your treatment as well to monitor your progress. We will then attempt to obtain prior authorization from your insurance. You also have the option of financing your TMS treatment. You will then watch a video of the TMS procedure and be given an opportunity to ask any questions. Our TMS specialist and your doctor will answer any questions you may have.
Treatments
A doctor and TMS specialists will measure the location of treatment and determine the amount of electromagnetic pulse that will be most beneficial to you. It is done by placing the coil on your head and producing one magnetic pulse while watching for movements in the hand and fingers.
During subsequent treatments a coil will be placed on your head. The TMS machine will be set to your specific treatment measurements. You will hear a clicking noise and feel tapping on your head.
Treatment lasts 20-40 minutes and are conducted daily, 5 days a week for 4-6 weeks (20-30 sessions). Some patients may benefit from maintenance therapy after their initial treatment course. Please make sure you attend the full course of therapy to get the most benefit from treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
TMS therapy is a treatment modality that makes use of electromagnetic pulses to stimulate specific parts of the brain that are responsible for causing depression. The magnetic pulses are sent repetitively to the brain, hence called rTMS or repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a non-invasive FDA- approved depression treatment that offers relief from depression symptoms. It is also well-tolerated by most of the patients.
TMS is mainly used for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and TRD (Treatment-Resistant Depression). Depression can have a significant impact on how you think, feel, and function in your daily life. While few people may find relief through self-help, therapy, medication, or a combination of these treatments, for others, the feeling of hopelessness or other depression symptoms never goes away. TMS therapy comes as a relief to patients who do not see any change in their depression symptoms even after undergoing various treatments.
- TMS therapy is non-invasive, well-tolerated, and does not require anaesthesia.
- It is an outpatient service, and the patient can go about his or her daily activities as usual.
- TMS therapy can be a solution for patients who cannot use antidepressants.
- TMS therapy doesn’t cause memory loss.
- TMS is an FDA-cleared method of depression treatment.
TMS treatment is done as an outpatient procedure without sedation. Your doctor might check and calculate the intensity of the magnetic pulses to be sent before the session starts. A patient can go back home or work after the session.
When other treatment methods for depression fail to work, TMS therapy may be the right option. Pregnant women or people who are allergic to medications can opt for TMS therapy.
TMS therapy is not a painful procedure. The patient only feels a gentle tap of the magnetic pulses.
TMS therapy is safe and FDA-approved, and patients can resume normal activities soon after a session. Patients with cochlear implants might not eligible for TMS. You can always contact us and our team of doctors are available to help you decide if TMS is right for you.
Each TMS session lasts for up to 20-40 minutes, for a span of four to six weeks. Your doctor will examine your condition and decide for how long the treatment has to be continued.
There are minimal side effects of TMS like a headache, which usually goes away after the first few sessions.
rTMS is FDA-approved for treating TRD (Treatment-Resistant Depression) and MDD (Major Depressive Disorders). Other disorders which rTMS has been found helpful (not FDA approved) include anxiety disorders, OCD, cognitive disorders, PTSD, autism, Parkinsons disease.
TMS session is done in a doctor's clinic. During TMS treatment, the doctor will make you sit on a chair, give you earplugs, and then place a magnetic coil on your head. The coil is then used to deliver short electromagnetic pulses. Magnetic pulses pass easily through your skull, and aids in stimulating specific areas of your brain.
You will notice clicking sounds and a knocking, tapping, or tingling sensation in your head. After TMS treatment, you can return to your normal routine, drive back to work or home.
Often TMS treatment is chosen when patients do not see any positive impact after undergoing other treatment modalities like counseling or oral medications. Also, pregnant women and people who are allergic to medications may not be able to take antidepressants. TMS therapy may be the best option in such situations.
Though TMS is not FDA-approved for treating anxiety, please feel free to contact our clinic or book an appointment with us to discuss your symptoms and also to look for treatment options.
TMS therapy has been proved to be a successful treatment for depression. Though it is not FDA-cleared for treating other mental health issues, you can always approach TMS for You to discuss the possible options in case you are suffering from any mental health condition.
No, there is no need for you to remain in the hospital after a TMS session. You may return to your normal activities after a TMS session. There is also no need for anyone to accompany you or drive you back home after the session.
Patients with cochlear implants are not eligible for undergoing TMS. Please contact us to discuss any pre-existing health conditions with our doctors.
Yes. TMS is covered by the majority of insurance companies. Medicare, United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Magellan, and Tricare are among the health insurers that fall under this category.
Follow-up sessions may be recommended every few weeks or months, depending on the patient's success, to ensure that the patient is responding well to the treatment modality.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation benefits patients who are suffering from Treatment-Resistant Depression and Major Depressive Disorders. It also benefits people who do not see any significant improvements from psychotherapy or antidepressants.
