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How does TMS Work?

TMS treatment process involves placing a small electromagnetic coil against the scalp near the forehead. Magnetic pulses are then delivered to a specific area of the brain to stimulate the nerve cells there. These magnetic pulses are the same type and strength as that of an MRI machine. Treatment sessions last 20-30 minutes and the first 25 sessions must be done 5 times per week for the first 5 weeks. The remaining sessions can be tapered over a period of weeks.

What is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)?

TMS is a perfectly safe, FDA approved, non-invasive and drug-free treatment that uses a magnetic pulse to stimulate nerve cells in key areas of the brain that is thought to control mood. TMS stimulates the part of the brain that is under-active in people with depression.

Is Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) the same as TMS?

No, ECT, commonly referred to as “shock therapy”, uses electricity to produce seizure-like activity in the brain while the patient is under anesthesia and has side effects that can be substantial. They both relieve depression, however, TMS is a treatment that is performed while the patient is awake and alert, no anesthesia or sedation is needed. TMS uses magnetic energy, rather than electricity that is applied to the scalp.

Is TMS painful?

There is a tapping sensation on your scalp that may be uncomfortable for some during the first few treatment sessions.  Up to 50 percent of patients who receive TMS will experience some mild to moderate soreness on their head at the beginning of their treatment. Taking over-the-counter pain medicines such as aspirin or Tylenol can be used, before or after TMS sessions, to relieve the discomfort. Further into the treatment the scalp becomes less sensitive to the tapping sensation of the magnetic pluses and there is no more discomfort.

Does TMS have side effects?

TMS virtually has no side effects, compared to other treatments for depression.  During the first week, studies have shown that about one in five people will develop a mild to moderate headache or scalp soreness after they receive TMS

How long do the effects of TMS treatment last?

Depression is usually a combination of factors that alter the way a person’s brain functions. Because of the various factors that influence each person’s depression, there’s no definitive answer to how long TMS results will last. Studies have shown that approximately 50% of patients with treatment resistant depression who try TMS experience a meaningful improvement in their mood, and one third experience full remission.

How successful is TMS?

TMS has a success rate between 70% or 80% meaning that the vast majority of individuals find significant relief after treatment.  About 50% of people experience complete remission, meaning that the symptoms of depression are absent after just one course of treatment.

How long does it take TMS to work?

Everyone is different so it depends on the person. There are a few factors that influence how well people respond to TMS therapy like age, personality, treatment resistance and what their current antidepressant regimen is. Some feel a change in symptoms as early as the first week of treatment, while others don’t notice a change for several weeks later.

 

TMS Therapy

Benefits and Side-Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy

Nowadays, the notion that the brain functions electrochemically is fairly well established. Magnetic therapy or electrical stimulation of the brain could be used to treat many different types of neurological and psychological problems if it was done right. ECT is perhaps the most widely used magnetic therapy for the brain (electroconvulsive therapy). Often referred to…...

What is TMS Therapy?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), also known as rTMS (Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), is an alternative treatment for anxiety and depression. One of the few treatments for depression that does not require medication or drugs is TMS therapy. TMS was approved by the FDA for use in October 2008. It uses MRI-strength magnetic pulses to stimulate…...

Top 5 Natural Remedies That Can Help You Beat Depression and Anxiety

Natural healing remedies can help you beat depression and anxiety. These herbs and potions can be somewhat effective in reducing anxiety or depression. These potions and herbs do not naturally heal or remedy the cause of anxiety and depression. There are several types of anxiety depression medication to cure the behaviour. Though here are the…...

A Useful Tool for Treatment-Resistant Depression

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Small Study Relieves Depression in 90% of Patients

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Has covid affected the rate of suicide?

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Efficacy of repetitive TMS in treatment resistant depression

Depression is a common mental disorder, which attributes to significant morbidity, disability and burden of care. A significant number of patients with depression still remain symptomatic after adequate trials of antidepressant treatment as well as psychotherapy, which…...

Underused option for severe depression

A new study supports the use of noninvasive brain stimulation in people with severe depression who haven't responded to medication. Check out this article from Harvard Women's Health Watch.  ...

Harvard Health – TMS: Hope for Stubborn Depression

What are you options if a patient doesn't respond to medication in treating their depression? Click Here to read an article from Harvard Health that discusses how TMS can give hope to those who don't respond to first-line treatments...
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World Mental Health Day – Oct 10th

World Mental Health Day is October 10th World Mental Health Day, first celebrated in 1992, was designed to bring awareness and education to the global community on the serious issue of mental health. In 2020, the mental health of millions have been impacted considerably due to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 and Mental Health These challenging…...

How to get help for someone who might be suicidal

Warning signs of suicide and suicide prevention resources...

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Hello all!   Thanks to those of you who made it to the Zoom class on Monday. As promised, I am sending some info about the books I referenced at the end of the class. Also, for those of you who would like to establish a daily practice, you may find this youtube link helpful for…...

Guided Mindfulness

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A Message to Our Patients About Anxiety

If we accept the possibility that every life experience, even loss, offers an opportunity for growth—and the skills offered here can help you regardless of whether you accept this assumption—then this present moment of our lives offers, and…...

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