Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression.
What Is TMS Therapy?
TMS therapy is a noninvasive procedure that is FDA approved for the treatment of major depression. This safe and effective treatment uses focused magnetic pulses that are delivered to the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for controlling mood.
This procedure is offered by prescription only and delivered by a board-certified psychiatrist. Individuals who haven’t experienced results from antidepressant medications or other types of therapies are candidates for this revolutionary treatment solution.
By using focused, magnetic pulses to stimulate the prefrontal cortex, TMS restores normal function to that area of the brain and reduces the symptoms of depression.
How Does TMS Therapy Work?
To deliver the magnetic energy to the nerve cells in the brain, your doctor will place the device, which contains a magnetic coil, on your head. It’s placed to specifically target the prefrontal cortex and deliver magnetic pulses to some of the surrounding areas. The resulting electric current is what encourages the brain’s neurons to begin firing.
During this time, you might feel a gentle tapping or hear a clicking sound as the device delivers the magnetic pulses. Since TMS therapy is noninvasive, you’ll be able to relax in a chair, talk, read or watch TV during your session.
After Treatment
After your 3 – 15 minute session, you can drive and continue normal activities with no limitations.
TMS Technology
There are two types of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: Deep TMS and Repetitive TMS. And My TMS offers both! While they each stimulate the brain’s prefrontal cortex (the area associated with depression) equally, there are slight administration differences between them.
Both types of TMS are effective and covered by most insurances! The choice is simply based on patient preference!
MagStim Repetitive TMS (rTMS)
Repetitive TMS (rTMS) is the original form of TMS treatment and remains a gold standard for depression care. Magstim’s rTMS machine uses a state-of-the-art stim-guide to visualize the brain’s target area on a computer screen before administering the impulses. This machine can conduct 3-minute treatment sessions for people who are on-the-go and appreciate the interactive technology!
BrainsWay Deep TMS
Like rTMS, Deep TMS (dTMS) targets the specific area of the brain associated with depression; however, it also stimulates some of the brain’s crucial surrounding regions with expanded depth and width ranges. Deep TMS decreases the chance of targeting error and may be better for those who have a harder time sitting still, have a history of neck or back pain, or want to sit back and enjoy the process. This machine can conduct 10 – 20 minute sessions.
What Is TMS Therapy Good For?
Patients who have tried standard depression treatments like medication, psychotherapy or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and haven’t experienced relief from their symptoms are good candidates for TMS therapy. Designed for patients who have exhausted all their other options, TMS therapy can offer relief from depressive symptoms in the current episode.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of TMS Therapy?
When taking antidepressants, it’s common for patients to experience symptoms like anxiety, diarrhea, insomnia, weight gain and memory loss.
Compared to standard depression treatments, TMS therapy is free of these kinds of systemic side effects. Because this outpatient procedure does stimulate the brain and scalp, you may experience some tenderness at the site. Other symptoms you may experience include:
- Slight facial twitching
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Jaw discomfort or pain
- Tooth pain
- In extremely rare cases, a seizure
These are usually experienced in the beginning while you are still getting used to this type of treatment. To help manage symptoms, the stimulation is gradually increased over time.
How Long Does TMS Therapy Last?
TMS therapy is delivered in either a doctor’s office or clinic five days a week. Typically, the entire treatment lasts anywhere from four to six weeks.
During this time, you’ll be seated comfortably while your doctor positions the magnetic coil on your head. Throughout the entire treatment, which usually lasts between three and 20 minutes, you’ll be awake and alert.
Once your TMS treatment is complete, there will be no limitations or downtime — you’ll be able to drive and resume your normal daily routine right away.
Because of how quick and convenient the sessions are, it’s easy to integrate treatment into your schedule.
Covered By Most Insurance Plans
Schedule an Appointment Today
At My TMS, we can help treat your depression with either MagStim Repetitive TMS or BrainsWay Deep TMS. Depending on the symptoms you are experiencing, we’ll help you determine which option is likely to be more effective and work with your needs and lifestyle.
While both types of TMS are often covered by most insurances, we always take the time to verify that we do accept your health insurance before taking any next steps. Then, we’ll learn more about your condition and symptoms through either an in-person or telemedicine appointment. Once that’s complete, we’ll develop a personalized plan to help you manage and improve your symptoms.
Interested in learning more? Book an appointment today to get started.
See What TMS Patients Say
“[TMS Therapy] gives me the opportunity to actually live my life for the first time.”
“The day I began treatment was one of the best days of my life.”
“I feel like a new person and my family says that they are glad to finally have ‘me’ back!”
Interested In Learning More?
Depression is so widespread it is sometimes referred to as the common cold of mental illness, which is nothing to be ashamed of. Depression can stem from many factors ranging from genetics to environmental stressors to chemical imbalances, including low serotonin in the brain. It is essential to know it is not your fault or your “choice” and that you are not alone.
People with metal above their neck are not candidates, as this is an MRI-like magnetic field. Coils, shunts, and other metals in the head are a contraindication. Most titanium and dental fillers are safe.
It is important to inform your doctor if you have a history of bipolar disorder, as TMS can cause a manic episode in those with a history of bipolar.
Neurological conditions and substance abuse can increase the risk of seizures. Those with a history of seizure disorders, strokes, brain tumors, dementia, and Parkinson’s should notify their doctor before starting TMS therapy.
Symptoms of depression generally consists of low motivation, low mood, guilt or hopelessness, changes in sleep and appetite, low energy, poor concentration, moving unusually slowly, and sometimes, thoughts that you just might be better off gone.
TMS feels like a gentle tapping or thud on the scalp. The procedure is pain free but may be “awkward” the first week until you get used to it. We typically start at a low dose and increase it, as tolerated.
Most insurances cover TMS treatment if you meet criteria. Criteria includes a diagnosis of depression, trials of antidepressants without results, and trials of psychotherapy. The TMS team will do all the work for you after your initial consult! We apply for the authorization and gain approval by your insurance on your behalf. However, depending on your insurance plan, there may be a deductible or co-payment. We will always inform you about these requirements before starting.