TMS Therapy
If you have depression, but medication and therapy haven't worked, this in-person treatment may be right for you.
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TMS Therapy
If you have depression, but medication and therapy haven’t worked, this in-person treatment may be right for you. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy primarily targets depression, providing a non-invasive treatment option. Especially recommended for depression resistant to medication, TMS is also used for secondary mental health conditions like anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and certain types of chronic pain. TMS delivers magnetic pulses to specific brain areas linked with mood regulation, stimulating nerve cells to alleviate symptoms. This therapy presents a safe alternative with minimal side effects, particularly beneficial for individuals unresponsive to traditional treatments.
What is TMS Therapy?
TMS Therapy is an in-office procedure that can relieve symptoms of treatment-resistant depression. This safe, effective treatment uses electromagnetic waves to stimulate specific parts of the brain. It works by delivering magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. These pulses stimulate nerve cells in the brain, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression in individuals who have not responded well to traditional treatments like medication or therapy.
This type of therapy can seem intimidating to those unfamiliar with it. Some people may confuse it with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which can have significant side effects, including memory loss. The two procedures could hardly be more different.
It is essential to understand that it is a non-invasive procedure with few side effects. It is also only used in cases where no other intervention has worked.
Two of the most well-known TMS machines are the NeuroStar and the Magstim TMS Chair. NeuroStar utilizes patented Deep TMS (dTMS) technology, allowing for deeper penetration of magnetic pulses into targeted areas of the brain compared to traditional TMS systems. The Magstim TMS Chair is designed for patient comfort, allowing individuals to sit comfortably during treatment sessions.
TMS therapy is FDA approved for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in individuals who have not responded adequately to prior antidepressant medications.
What Happens in a TMS Session?
During a Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) session, the patient typically sits in a comfortable chair or recliner. The TMS technician will then position a special electromagnetic coil against the patient’s scalp, usually near the forehead. This coil emits magnetic pulses that penetrate the scalp and skull to reach specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation.
Once the coil is properly positioned, the TMS machine delivers a series of repetitive magnetic pulses to the targeted brain regions. These pulses are painless and generally feel like tapping or clicking sensations on the scalp. The intensity and frequency of the pulses are carefully controlled by the technician based on the patient’s individual treatment plan.
Throughout the session, which typically lasts about 20-30 minutes, the patient can relax and engage in quiet activities such as reading, listening to music, or simply resting. After the session is complete, the patient can immediately resume their normal activities without any downtime or recovery period.
TMS does not require anesthesia nor cause pain. Patients can drive themselves to and from a session. While electromagnetic waves may sound intimidating, they are just like the technology used in an MRI.
TMS therapy typically involves multiple sessions over several weeks, with the frequency and duration of treatment determined by the patient’s response and the recommendations of their healthcare provider. Over the course of treatment, many patients experience a gradual improvement in their depressive symptoms, although individual responses may vary.
LifeStance Health specializes in TMS Therapy with multiple locations in 18 states. Services vary by location.
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What Does TMS Treat?
TMS is an FDA-approved treatment primarily for patients with depression who do not respond to other treatments. Depending on the equipment used, TMS is also FDA-approved to treat anxiety and OCD. TMS has been explored as a potential treatment for OCD, particularly for individuals who have not responded well to traditional therapies like medication or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Research is underway to see whether TMS can work effectively on other disorders, treating ADHD, schizophrenia, substance use disorders such as nicotine addiction and alcohol dependence, chronic pain conditions, including neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and migraines.
TMS is best suited for people who have tried other interventions for depression without success. This may mean that several different medications did not relieve symptoms or that the medications’ side effects were too much to handle. TMS patients have usually also tried talk therapy.
What is NeuroStar TMS?
NeuroStar TMS uses focused magnetic pulses (similar in strength to an MRI), to revitalize underactive areas of the brain involved in regulating mood. When these regions are underactive, depression can result. “Waking up” these regions can have a lasting effect on depression, making long-term remission from depression a reality for many people. Treatment with NeuroStar Advanced TMS Therapy is easy:
- Therapy sessions are conducted in your NeuroStar doctor’s office
- You can return to normal activities right away
- You are awake during treatment
- There are no negative effects on memory or sleep
- It’s covered by most health insurance plans
For people who have not found relief with antidepressants, NeuroStar TMS is a safe and proven depression treatment without the systemic side effects of medication. Over 4.8 million NeuroStar Advanced TMS treatments have been performed in over 134,000 patients.
TMS Therapy FAQ
TMS has put some people with depression into remission. Other patients see positive results that last for a long time. Working in regular therapy on techniques that help build coping mechanisms is an excellent way to supplement TMS.
A padded device covers your head for about 16-22 minutes per session. Sessions happen five days a week for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. These figures are averages so your treatment plan may vary depending on your needs.
It is advised to bring OTC analgesics in case you have a slight headache afterward. At the start of the session, the medical staff will tell you to remove any magnetic accessories and provide you with optional earplugs. Keeping your purse or wallet away from the TMS machine is advisable as well, since the device can demagnetize credit card strips.
In some cases, individuals have some mild scalp pain or a light headache after their first session. These symptoms often lessen after the first few sessions. This is a non-invasive procedure, so there will be no incisions made in your skin.
No, anesthesia is not required for TMS treatment.
Research around TMS began in the 1980s. This research centered on which areas of the brain control certain functions and which areas might be not functioning correctly in mood disorders such as depression.
Specialists studied TMS and its effects for many years before being available for use with the general public. It was finally approved for use by the FDA in 2008 and is now a standard treatment used successfully across the country.
Separate areas of our brains control different tasks, such as memory or impulse control. Thanks to imaging technology, researchers know which areas of the brain do not work as well in cases of depression. What TMS does is stimulate these areas to bring them “back to life” in a sense. This increased activity allows the brain to rebuild key neuropathways so that the patient feels fewer of the symptoms of depression.
There are minimal side effects associated with TMS. After their first few treatments, some patients have a slight headache, which they can treat with OTC analgesics. Around ten percent of patients experience mild pain or tingling in the scalp, which you can treat with pain relievers. It is recommended that patients wear earplugs during a session to protect their hearing.
This list of side effects is far less than what many patients experience when they take antidepressants long-term.
TMS should only be administered by trained medical professionals, including doctors, PAs, and nurse practitioners.
NeuroStar TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a medical device used in the treatment of depression. It works by delivering magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. These pulses stimulate nerve cells in the brain, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression in individuals who have not responded well to traditional treatments like medication or therapy.
One key difference between NeuroStar TMS and other TMS machines lies in its precision and effectiveness. NeuroStar TMS is the first TMS device to receive FDA clearance specifically for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. It utilizes a patented technology called “Deep TMS” (dTMS), which allows for greater penetration of magnetic pulses into targeted areas of the brain compared to traditional TMS systems. This deeper penetration may result in more significant and longer-lasting therapeutic effects for patients.
Additionally, NeuroStar TMS is non-invasive and does not require anesthesia or sedation, making it a safer and more comfortable option for patients compared to other treatments like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). It is also associated with fewer side effects and does not require a prolonged recovery period, allowing patients to resume their daily activities immediately after treatment sessions.
Determining the “most effective” TMS device can be subjective and may depend on various factors, including the specific needs of the patient, the expertise of the treating clinician, and the clinical setting. However, some TMS devices have gained recognition for their advanced technology and proven efficacy.
One notable TMS device is the NeuroStar Advanced Therapy system, which utilizes patented Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) technology. This technology allows for deeper penetration of magnetic pulses into targeted areas of the brain compared to traditional TMS systems, potentially enhancing its effectiveness in treating depression.
Another widely used TMS device is the Magstim TMS Therapy system, known for its reliability and versatility. Magstim offers a range of TMS devices, including the Magstim Rapid 2 and the Magstim Super Rapid 2, which deliver rapid pulses for shorter treatment sessions.
The BrainsWay Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) system is another option that has gained recognition for its effectiveness in treating depression. It utilizes an H-coil design to stimulate deeper brain structures, potentially leading to more robust clinical outcomes.
Ultimately, the choice of TMS device may depend on factors such as availability, cost, clinician preference, and patient needs. It’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate TMS device for a particular individual’s treatment.
