TMS is a painless method for cerebrum stimulation that relies on electromagnetic stimulation and utilizes a safe loop placed above the scalp, zeroed in on a region of the mind thought to play a role in mood regulation. The loop generates brief, magnetic waves that travel through the skull and into the cerebrum efficiently and effortlessly. The waves produced are similar to those produced by attractive reverberation imaging (MRI) equipment. It’s referred to as “monotonous TMS” or “rTMS” when these wavesare managed in rapid succession, which can result in longer-lasting changes in cerebrum function.
rTMS has been shown to be a safe and well-tolerated system that can be an effective treatment for people with depression who have not benefited from traditional prescriptions or who are unable to tolerate higher doses of medications due to side effects. TMS was FDA-approved in 2008, and it is now widely available in hospitals and emergency rooms across the country.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), commonly referred to as major depression, is a serious mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed. It goes beyond the typical feelings of sadness or grief and can significantly impact a person’s daily life, affecting their ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy life.
- Symptoms of major depression can vary from person to person but generally include:
- Persistent sadness or low mood
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation
While there are various treatments available for major depression, including psychotherapy and medication, not everyone responds to these traditional approaches. This is where innovative treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) come into play.
Frequently asked questions regarding TMS treatments
The Difference Between TMS and Antidepressants
- Antidepressants are a common first-line treatment for major depression. These medications work by altering the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which are thought to influence mood and emotional state. While effective for many, antidepressants can come with a range of side effects, such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, dry mouth, and nausea. Moreover, some individuals may not experience significant improvement with medication alone, or they may find the side effects intolerable.
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) offers a different approach. Unlike antidepressants, TMS is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that targets the brain’s mood-regulating areas directly. Here are some key differences between TMS and antidepressants:
- Non-Invasive and Drug-Free: TMS does not require medication, making it an excellent option for those who cannot tolerate the side effects of antidepressants or who prefer a non-drug approach.
- Targeted Treatment: TMS directly stimulates the specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, potentially offering a more targeted approach compared to the systemic effects of medication.
- Minimal Side Effects: TMS is generally well-tolerated, with few reported side effects. The most common side effect is mild scalp discomfort during treatment, which typically resolves after a session.
- Efficacy for Treatment-Resistant Depression: TMS is particularly beneficial for individuals who have not responded well to other forms of treatment, such as antidepressants. Research shows that TMS can significantly reduce symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant depression.
- By offering a safe and effective alternative to antidepressants, TMS provides new hope for those struggling with major depression.
TMS is generally well tolerated, and severe side effects leading to treatment discontinuation are exceedingly rare. TMS can complement medication and therapy, providing an effective supplementary treatment. Crucially, as TMS induces changes exclusively in the targeted treatment area of the brain, it avoids causing systemic side effects. Consequently, TMS is deemed safe for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
How does TMS work?
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex. This area of the brain is associated with mood regulation and is often underactive in individuals suffering from depression.
Here’s how TMS works:
- Magnetic Pulses: During a TMS session, a magnetic coil is placed gently against the scalp, usually near the forehead. This coil generates brief magnetic pulses, similar to the magnetic field used in MRI machines.
- Stimulation of Brain Regions: The magnetic pulses pass through the skull and stimulate the nerve cells in the targeted brain region. The stimulation helps to activate the underactive areas of the brain that are linked to depression.
- Rewiring the Brain: The repetitive magnetic stimulation encourages brain cells to communicate more effectively and promotes neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This process can help to alleviate symptoms of depression and improve mood over time.
- Treatment Duration: A typical TMS treatment course involves daily sessions, each lasting about 20-40 minutes, over 4-6 weeks. Since TMS is non-invasive, there is no need for anesthesia or sedation, and patients can resume their daily activities immediately after treatment.
Why Choose TMS?
- TMS has been shown to be a safe, effective, and well-tolerated treatment for depression, particularly for individuals who have not found relief with traditional therapies. It offers a new avenue of hope for those suffering from major depression, providing an option that is both effective and has minimal side effects.TMS Therapy’s Mechanism of ActionYou’ll need to get rid of objects that are magnetically sensitive ornaments before you start the technique. You can expect the following during TMS:
- Hear a clicking sound. To reduce the clicking sound of enticing driving forces, your professional will ask you to wear earplugs. You’ll be seated in a comfortable position. You won’t be sedated in any way, and you’ll be awake throughout the procedure.
- Assuming this is your first meeting, your treatment provider, will assess your head to determine where the coil should be placed. They’ll also make various assumptions while customizing the TMS machine’s settings.
- The coil will be applied to the front and lateral part of your head by your professional.
- As the appealing incentives are supplied, you’ll notice a clicking sound. A tapping or thumping feeling will also be felt beneath the coil.
- The therapy might last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. After the procedure, you can drive yourself home and resume your regular exercise routine.
The advantages of TMS treatment
TMS treatment has a number of possible benefits. Scientists are still working on the system, but it may be useful in the following situations:
- TMS therapy is used to treat depression.
- TMS treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Anxiety treatment with TMS
- TMS is used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- TMS therapy for stroke recovery.
- TMS as a treatment for schizophrenia
- Parkinson’s disease treatment with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
- Alzheimer’s illness and transcranial magnetic stimulation
- TMS is used to treat chronic pain.
- TMS for the treatment of nicotine addiction
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is treated with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Who should avoid this treatment?
- TMS is considered safe, but it isn’t the best option for everyone.If you have metal in your body you should avoid this treatment. Examples are:
- Stents for the neck or the brain
- Loops or clasps for aneurysms
- fragments of a slug or shrapnel
- Metal plates with metallic ink for facial tattoos
- cochlear implants
- Piercings that last a long time
TMS’s magnetic fields can induce these implants to heat up or move, resulting in actual wounds. If you have support or dental fillings, it’s fine to seek therapy.
You should also avoid TMS if you have a history of epilepsy or seizures, are taking energizers, or have a medical condition that increases the risk of seizures.
At InSynch Health in Sugar Land, Texas, we are committed to helping our patients find the best treatment for their individual needs. If you or a loved one is struggling with depression and want to explore the benefits of TMS, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let’s work together to find a path to better mental health and a brighter future.