TMS
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
TMS is a non-invasive procedure using an electromagnetic coil controlled by a computer to deliver short bursts of magnetic energy to a very specific area of the brain (the prefrontal cortex). This energy creates electrical currents that stimulate and reactivate nerve cells (neurons) in the brain. Once these neurons are reactivated, it can relieve symptoms of major depression like lack of energy, anxiety, or pain.
What Does TMS Treat?
Currently in the US, TMS is only approved to treat symptoms of major depressive disorder. It is recommended when typical depression therapies like medications, psychotherapy, and self-help techniques aren’t effective.
European countries have found TMS helpful for treating other conditions such as anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, and schizophrenia. As researchers continue to study the effectiveness of TMS for other conditions, this treatment may gain a wider acceptance in the US.
What Happens During a TMS procedure?
During a TMS procedure, you are seated comfortably. Any jewelry or magnetic-sensitive objects are removed.
Your head is measured and the TMS coil gets positioned. The TMS physician determines the least amount of power needed--usually by seeing what energy makes your thumb twitch. Once the motor threshold is established, the coils are placed.
During treatment, you may hear loud clicking noises and feel a tapping sensation. TMS treatment usually lasts 20 to 40 minutes. The frequency and duration of treatments depends on your response to treatment. In general, you may get TMS therapy 5 times a week for 4-6 week.
Does Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Hurt?
At first, you may experience a little discomfort. Most notability, a tapping sensation on your scalp. Earplugs help patients feel more comfortable during the loud clicking noises.
About half of patients getting TMS report mild to moderate headaches or scalp soreness during the first week of treatment. This can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
As the scalp becomes less sensitive to the TMS tapping, the treatment is much more tolerable.
Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Safe?
TMS is considered a safe, non-invasive procedure for treating major depression. Compared to other depression treatments, TMS targets a very specific area of the brain. The rest of your brain is not affected by the treatment. It does not affect your personality, and can actually help you think and function better as you continue treatment.
Do I Need to be Hospitalized for TMS?
Since there is no sedation or anesthesia, patients are fully awake during TMS treatment. In fact, there is no extra recovery time. You can drive yourself home and return to normal activities afterwards.
Is TMS the same as “Shock Therapy”?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is NOT the same as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). ECT uses electricity to produce seizure-like activity in the brain. A patient is under anesthesia during ECT. While ECT is widely known as an effective treatment for severe depression, the side effects--confusion, nausea, memory loss, and more--can be troubling to some patients.
TMS, in contrast, does not require anesthesia. The patient remains alert and can go about regular daily activities after treatment. TMS side effects are generally mild and diminish as treatment continues. Why? TMS uses magnetic energy instead of electricity for treatment.
Are There Any Side-Effects for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
TMS is well-tolerated and has few, if any, side-effects. Even better, most of the common side-effects go away as treatment continues. The most common side-effect of TMS is mild headaches. Some may experience facial twitching or painful scalp sensations.
The most serious risk of TMS (although very small) is seizures. Those with a history of seizure disorder or head injury are usually not good candidates for TMS.
As you probably know, antidepressant medications often have a long list of side-effects such as dry mouth, sexual dysfunction, upset stomach, weight gain, or feeling sedated. The side effects of TMS are often more tolerable compared to antidepressant medications.
Since TMS is a relatively new procedure, there is a small chance of unforeseeable long-term effects that haven’t been noted yet. Researches continue to study the long-term effects related to TMS.
Am I a Good Candidate for TMS?
In general, you could qualify for TMS treatments after using psychotherapy and 2 or more antidepressant medications with little or no effect. Also, if the side-effects of your antidepressant medications are intolerable, TMS may be right for you.
TMS is not recommended for those who have a history of seizures and have any metal or implanted medical devices.
You will also want to check with your TMS provider if you have other mental health disorders, brain damage from an illness or injury, or chronic medical conditions.
Call our office today at (424) 532-1552. We can do a FREE pre-assessment over the phone and answer any questions you have about TMS.
Have Questions?
Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Covered by Insurance?
If you are a good candidate for TMS, chances are your insurance will cover the treatments. Most commercial insurances DO cover TMS. You may only be responsible for your co-payments.
As we evaluate your for TMS, we will check your insurance coverage and what your out-of pocket expenses may be.