Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Q & A

What is transcranial magnetic stimulation?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is a new, noninvasive procedure that’s FDA-cleared for treating a variety of conditions, including treatment-resistant depression. TMS uses brief pulses of magnetic fields to stimulate cells in areas of your brain associated with mood regulation.

We use BrainsWay TMS, a unique platform that uses revolutionary technology called Deep TMS (dTMS). The BrainsWay system uses patented magnetic coils that fit securely into a helmet. During treatment, the coils deliver magnetic pulses to targeted regions of your brain to improve function and reduce symptoms of neurological and mental health conditions. 

What does TMS therapy treat?

TMS therapy is especially helpful for patients with mental health conditions and neurological disorders who don’t experience sufficient relief from conventional treatments like medications and talk therapy. 

We use TMS therapy to treat numerous neurological and mental health conditions, including:

• -`Depression
• -Anxiety
• -Bipolar disorder
• -Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• -Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• -Tinnitus
• -Migraines

TMS therapy can also treat hallucinations due to conditions like schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia. 

When should I consider TMS therapy?

Medications, such as antidepressants, are often the first line of treatment in managing symptoms of mental health conditions. However, medications don’t provide enough relief for some people, and others can’t tolerate the side effects. 

TMS therapy is an alternative treatment that significantly reduces symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders, even in patients who haven’t found relief from medication and talk therapy alone. 

What are the benefits of TMS therapy?

We offer BrainsWay dTMS therapy as an outpatient procedure, which means you don’t have to stay in the hospital. Unlike other therapies for treatment-resistant depression, such as ketamine infusions, you can drive yourself to and from a TMS appointment.

The noninvasive procedure happens while you relax in a chair. You wear a helmet that contains magnetic coils, which send energy pulses into specific regions deep in your brain. Treatment typically lasts 30-60 minutes and doesn’t cause adverse side effects. 

The number of treatments you need depends on your specific condition. Research shows that more than 75% of patients with depression experience improvement, and more than 50% enter remission after 30 TMS treatments. 

To find out if transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy is right for you, call Pusch Ridge Behavioral Health, or book an appointment online today.