Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) uses a magnet to activate the brain. First developed in 1985, rTMS has been studied as a treatment for depression, anxiety, ocd, PTSD and many other disorders

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) uses a targeted pulsed magnetic field, similar to what is used in an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machine. While the patient is awake and alert, TMS Therapy stimulates areas of the brain that are found to be underactive in people with depression. During an rTMS session, treatment coil is placed against your scalp near your forehead. The treatment coil delivers a magnetic pulse that stimulates nerve cells in the region of your brain involved in mood control and depression. Though the biology of why rTMS works isn’t completely understood, the stimulation appears to impact how the brain is working, which in turn seems to ease depression symptoms and improve mood.

There are different ways to perform the procedure, and techniques may change as experts to learn more about the most effective ways to perform treatments. Please view the Video below for more information:

Depression is a treatable condition, but for some people, standard treatments aren’t effective. Repetitive TMS is typically used when standard treatments such as medications and talk therapy (psychotherapy) don’t work.

In 2008, rTMS was approved for use by the FDA as a treatment for major depression for patients who do not respond to at least one antidepressant medication in the current episode.

The first clinical trial for TMS funded by NIMH, was published in 2010 found that 14% achieved remission with rTMS compared to 5% with an inactive (sham) treatment. After the trial ended, patients could enter a second phase in which everyone, including those who previously received the sham treatment, was given rTMS. Remission rates during the second phase climbed to nearly 30%.

Clinical studies with over 900 people have shown that TMS may help achieve remission for people living with depression.

TMS was included in the 2010 American Psychiatric Association (APA) Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Major Depression—guidelines that provide recommendations for how psychiatrists treat depression.

Every day with depression is a struggle. When antidepressant medications aren’t working, it’s hard to know what to turn to next.

Many people with Major Depressive Disorder have turned to TMS Therapy to take control of their depression. Hear their stories:

Risk:

Repetitive TMS is a noninvasive form of brain stimulation used for depression. Unlike vagus nerve stimulation or deep brain stimulation, rTMS does not require surgery or implantation of electrodes. rTMS doesn’t require sedation with anesthesia and does not cause memory loss.

Generally, rTMS is considered safe and well-tolerated. However, it can cause some mild side effects.

Side effects:

Because it is not a depression drug, NeuroStar TMS Therapy does not have the same side effects that are associated with traditional antidepressant medications. Unlike oral antidepressants that must travel through out the body before reaching the brain, TMS directly targets an area of the brain found to be underactive in people with depression. NeuroStar TMS Therapy is free of systemic side effects associated with oral antidepressant drugs.

Side effects are generally mild to moderate and improve shortly after an individual treatment
session and decrease over time with additional sessions. They may include:

• Headache
• Scalp discomfort at the site of stimulation
• Tingling, or twitching of facial muscles
• Lightheadedness

The FDA and the manufacture of the NeuroStar system have identified the following reasons a patient would not be able to receive TMS treatment.
If the patient is or has any of the following:

• Metal in, near or around the head (metal plates/screw/pins, aneurysm clip/coil/stent)
• CSF stent, implanted electrodes (DBS, cochlear or ocular)
• bullet or welding fragments, facial tattoos
• the patient is under 18 or older than 70 (max age depending on insurer)
• the patient is pregnant or nursing.

You can get more details on TMS and see if this treatment is right for you by Calling our experts at 707.206.7268 Ext. 13

We would be happy to contact your insurance company to find out about your plan coverage and what your estimated cost would be. There is no charge for this service, so please give us a call.