FAQs
TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. It is a safe, non-invasive treatment for depression and anxiety.
TMS therapy stimulates regions of the brain that research shows function abnormally in patients with depression. Short electromagnetic pulses stimulate brain cells to relieve symptoms of depression.
The patient sits comfortably in a chair while the TMS coil is set in place. Then, magnetic pulses are sent to the area of the brain responsible for mood. The treatment is non-invasive and does not require drugs or anesthesia so the patient can drive home afterward.
The treatment usually takes 30 to 40 minutes, five days per week for four to six weeks. The treatment duration may vary depending on the patient’s needs.
In most patients, the clinical benefit of TMS therapy are maintained for six to 12 months.
TMS treatment is beneficial for people with treatment resistant depression, Major Depressive Disorder, anxiety and migraines. Also, individuals who wish to avoid the side effects of antidepressant medications, such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, nausea, and dry mouth can also be helped.
Yes. The FDA cleared TMS therapy for depression in 2008 and migraine treatment in 2013.
A few patients have reported slight headaches and discomfort or irritation at the treatment site, which usually goes away shortly after each treatment session.
The risk to TMS therapy is no greater than what has been observed with oral antidepressant medications. The most commonly reported side effect has been scalp discomfort during treatment session. In rare cases a seizure or hearing loss have occurred. TMS Therapy has been proven effective for many patients suffering from depression, but not all will benefit from it. Patients should be carefully monitored for worsening symptoms, signs or symptoms of suicidal behavior or unusual behavior.
No. TMS therapy uses a small fraction of the same type and strength of magnetic fields as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) brain scans, which have been used for millions of patients around the world and have not been shown to cause tumors.
No. TMS therapy was systematically evaluated for its effects on memory and clinical trials demonstrated that it does not result in any negative effects on memory or concentration.
Yes. In clinical trials, TMS Therapy was safely administered with and without other antidepressant medications. Most patients stay on their regular antidepressants throughout the TMS treatment. Afterwards, your doctor can help you determine how to proceed.
Yes, the MagPro R30 TMS Therapy system was one of the first TMS devices to be cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of major depression.
No, the two procedures are vastly different. While both are effective in the treatment of depression, ECT is very invasive, requires anesthesia, electrodes, electric shocks and can result in memory loss. TMS is drug free and uses safe, non-invasive magnetic pulses.
Many insurance companies around the country cover TMS therapy. TMS Neuro Institute will work with you to make the insurance process as easy as possible.