About TMS
What is TMS and how does it work?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an office-based procedure cleared by the FDA in 2008 for the treatment of Major Depression.
An MRI-strength magnet is used to stimulate an area of the brain thought to control mood.
Non-invasive and non-systemic.
No anesthesia or sedation is required. The patient sits in a comfortable chair during the procedure
Magnetic pulses are administered to the patient resulting in:
- The release of neurotransmitters
- Increased blood flow to the brain
- Other positive clinical effects
The patient can resume normal activities following their treatments.
Treatments are administered 5 days a week for 6 weeks, then a 3-week taper phase.
A typical course of TMS would be a total of (36) 19-minute sessions
Safe and Well Tolerated
Considered safe and well-tolerated. No adverse effects on sleep, memory, or cognition.
No anesthesia or sedation required.
TMS is non-systemic and does not travel through the body like medication.
The most common side effects are mild to moderate headaches, which can usually be treated with over-the- counter pain medication. Scalp discomfort or pain at the treatment site, lightheadedness, or tingling in the face or limbs.
These side effects are usually temporary and resolve within a few hours after the treatment.
Depression Starts In The Brain
Depression is caused by reduced activity in the areas of the brain thought to regulate mood.
PET Scan showing the activity of a depressed brain vs a non-depressed brain
TMS Increases Brain Activity
Functional MRI showing the new activity post TMS treatment in 6 cross section scans
Which Patients Qualify for TMS?
If you have tried 2 or more antidepressant medications and have not experienced relief from your symptoms of depression, then TMS may be the next choice of treatment options to feeling well again.
TMS was cleared by the FDA in 2008
Each session lasts 19 mintues
1 session per day Mon. thru Fri.
36 Total sessions
Paitents can drive themselves to and from each appointment and resume normal activities after each treament. TMS uses an MRI strength magnet to stimulate parts of the brain that have become inactive during depression.
Over 5 million TMS procedures have been performed worldwide since 2008