Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

An Overview

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. TMS is typically used when other depression treatments haven’t been effective.

How it Works

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 control and depression. And it may activate regions of the brain that have decreased activity in people with depression.

Though the biology of why rTMS works isn’t completely understood, the stimulation appears to affect how this part of the brain is working, which in turn seems to ease depression symptoms and improve mood.

TMS-Treatment for Depression

TMS Information<br />

FAQs

What is TMS?

TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration since 2008 for the treatment of patients with depression who have failed to achieve satisfactory results from antidepressant medications, or who are not able to tolerate the many side effects associated with oral medications.

How Does TMS Work?

TMS uses a targeted pulsed magnetic field similar to an MRI to stimulate areas of the brain that are underactive in depression.

What Does TMS Treatment Entail?

The treatment is administered 3 – 5 times a week for the course of 4 – 6 weeks, depending on individual results which our physician will closely monitor. Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes allowing patients to return to normal activities immediately after.

TMS Treatment vs Antidepressant Medications?

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Possible Side Effects
TMS THERAPY	ANTIDEPRESSANT MEDICATIONS
Pain or Discomfort in treatment area Muscle Twitching	Nervousness Anxiety Drowsiness Tremor Sweating Headache/Migraine Weight Gain Sexual Disfunction GI Distress Decreased Appetite

Is TMS Treatment Covered by Most Insurance Companies?

Yes. Most insurance companies cover TMS Therapy:

Anthem Blue Cross
Blue Shield of CA
Cigna
Healthnet
Optum/UBH
MHN
Magellan

Are There Any Reasons Why I Can’t Receive TMS Treatments?

Yes. 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 fragments, facial tattoos (including permanent makeup)
the patient is under 22 or older than 70
the patient is pregnant or nursing.

Where Can I Get More Information?

Please feel free to contact our office or your provider at any time to inquire about TMS treatment. You can also find information on the NeuroStar website:
neurostar.com

Am I a good candidate for TMS Therapy?

Contact our office for your free screening today!

TMS Testimonials

How has TMS improved your life?:
TMS has improved my life in remarkable ways. I actually feel happy most of the time and even when a challenge comes along, my ability to cope without going into depression is amazing. Every day, when I wake up, I check in on how I’m feeling and the and the answer is always the same-I feel happy! Because I’m feeling so much better, I’ve had enough motivation to begin a steady exercise program which is helping me feel even better. I laugh more and feel more connected to loved ones.
How long after your initial visit did you begin to see results from TMS treatment?:
In 2-3 weeks, I stopped having the frequent suicidal thoughts I was experiencing daily. At perhaps 4 weeks I felt a slight lift in my depression and felt discouraged that it might not get any better. The day after my 34^th session, it was as if a light turned on and I continued to improve over the next month or so.
What would you say to a friend or family member who was curious about TMS?:
For someone with long-term, tough to treat depression I would absolutely encourage them to investigate TMS.
What has pleased you most in your course of treatment at our practice?
In addition to the amazing results from the TMS, Dr. Shah, Julianna, Katrina, my Nurse Practitioner Terri Drew, and the front office staff have been so nice, supportive, and caring.
Do you have any words of encouragement for others?:
Have hope it can get better! I knew about TMS 2-3 years ago but my insurance wasn’t paying for it. I kept trying various meds, therapy, etc. but always kept trying and hoping.
Additional notes/comments: HAPPY!!!!!
Judy TMS patient