Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
TMS Clinic Plano McKinney Allen Frisco Dallas Tx.
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure used to stimulate certain areas of the brain. It’s typically used to treat depression and other psychiatric conditions.
During a TMS session, an electromagnetic coil is placed against your scalp near your forehead. The electromagnet painlessly delivers a magnetic pulse that stimulates nerve cells in the region of your brain involved in mood regulation and depression.
How Does TMS Work?
Magnetic Field
The coil generates a magnetic field, similar in strength to that produced by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine.
Brain Cell Stimulation: The magnetic field passes through the skull and stimulates brain cells. This can affect how this part of the brain is working, which in turn can affect your mood.
The potential benefits of TMS include a reduction in symptoms of depression and improvement in mood. One of the significant advantages of TMS is that it’s non-invasive and generally has fewer side effects compared to medications. Common side effects are generally mild and may include headache or scalp discomfort at the treatment site.
TMS is usually used when other treatments such as medications and psychotherapy haven’t been successful.
What Are The Benefits of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an innovative treatment option for various psychiatric conditions, particularly for individuals with depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The primary benefits of TMS include:
Effectiveness in Treatment-Resistant Cases: TMS has shown to be effective in reducing symptoms for many individuals who haven’t responded to traditional treatment methods such as psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy.
Non-Invasive and Drug-Free: TMS does not involve surgery or any implanted devices, and it doesn’t require the administration of any medications. This means it doesn’t have the systemic side effects that can occur with medication, such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or gastrointestinal issues.
Outpatient Procedure with Minimal Downtime: The treatment is typically performed in an outpatient setting and does not require hospitalization or anesthesia. Patients can resume their usual activities immediately after each session.
Relatively Few Side Effects: The side effects of TMS are generally mild and typically improve after the first week or two of treatment. They may include headaches or discomfort at the treatment site. Unlike some medications used for depression and OCD, TMS does not lead to cognitive (thinking or memory) problems. In fact, some studies suggest it might actually improve cognitive function.
Long-term Improvement: For many people, improvements from TMS are long-lasting. Studies suggest that many people who respond to TMS treatment remain symptom-free for many months afterwards.
As promising as TMS is, it’s important to remember that it’s not effective for everyone, and individuals should discuss with their healthcare providers to determine if TMS is the right option for them.
Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation safe?
TMS is generally considered safe and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults who have not responded to at least one antidepressant medication. The most common side effects are usually mild and include headache and discomfort at the treatment site. There’s also a small risk of seizure, but this is rare. It does not have the systemic side effects associated with medications since it’s a localized treatment. That being said, not everyone is a suitable candidate for TMS, and it’s important to discuss potential risks and benefits with the TMS team at Nortex Psychiatry.
TMS Therapy FAQ's
NeuroStar delivers gentle magnetic pulses to the brain’s prefrontal cortex, the area linked to depression. These pulses activate underactive brain cells to improve mood and reduce depression symptoms.
If you have treatment-resistant depression (when medications and therapy haven’t worked), NeuroStar might be a good option. A doctor will assess your condition to determine if you’re a candidate.
Yes, if your loved one struggles with depression and hasn’t found relief from other treatments, NeuroStar could be an effective alternative. It’s worth discussing with their healthcare provider.
Yes, many patients achieve remission, meaning their depression symptoms greatly improve or go away. The effects can last for months, and booster treatments can help maintain results.
NeuroStar is FDA-cleared and considered very safe. Side effects are minimal, with mild scalp discomfort or headaches being the most common, and they usually go away quickly.
No, NeuroStar does not cause memory loss. Unlike ECT (electroconvulsive therapy), NeuroStar focuses on specific brain areas and doesn’t have cognitive side effects.
Most people feel a tapping or tingling sensation during the session, but it’s not painful. Any discomfort usually fades after the first few treatments.
No, NeuroStar and ECT are different. ECT uses electrical currents and requires anesthesia, while NeuroStar uses magnetic pulses and is non-invasive, with no need for sedation.
Yes, many insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover NeuroStar for treatment-resistant depression. Check with your provider to confirm coverage.
NeuroStar offers programs to help patients who need financial assistance. You can contact NeuroStar or your provider for details on payment plans or discounts.
You can discuss out-of-network benefits with your insurance company or ask your doctor about payment plans or referrals to another provider who accepts your insurance.
You can visit NeuroStar’s website to use their “Find a Doctor” tool or ask your current healthcare provider for recommendations.
