TMS

What is TMS?

TMS is a noninvasive treatment that uses repeated magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive areas of your brain. Electroencephalogram (EEG) studies show that people with mental health disorders have underperforming neurons in specific brain areas.

When neurons don’t perform up to par, they can’t release the right amount of neurotransmitters. The drop in neurotransmitters causes symptoms of mental health disorders like depression.

When you get TMS, the pulses travel through your scalp and into the brain. The energy boosts electrical activity in the nerves, making them release more neurotransmitters, and improving nerve communication. As a result, your symptoms improve.

What conditions improve with TMS?

The NeuroStar system is cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat patients with treatment-resistant depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

You have treatment-resistant depression when two or more antidepressants fail to improve the symptoms caused by major depressive disorder. An estimated one-third of patients have treatment-resistant depression.

What happens during a TMS treatment?

You don’t need to prepare for your TMS treatment. You simply arrive for your appointment and relax in the comfortable treatment chair.

Your first appointment is a little longer than average because Dr. Wright uses the NeuroStar device to perform a process called brain mapping. This allows him to determine the exact treatment location and energy level to use.

Dr. Wright places the cushioned NeuroStar coil against your head, finishes brain mapping, and then starts your TMS session. During your session, you hear clicking and experience tingling, light tapping, or a warm sensation on your head where the coil is located.

Some people get a headache during their first few sessions, then the headaches stop. In the meantime, you can prevent them by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever before your TMS sessions.

Except for a headache, TMS is pain-free and seldom causes side effects. As soon as your session is over, you can return to your normal daily routine.

TMS sessions last 19-40 minutes, depending on your customized treatment plan. You get at least five TMS treatments a week for 4-6 weeks. 

To learn if you’re a good candidate for TMS, call Ryan Wright, MD, or book an appointment online today.