TMS Treatment

How TMS Works

TMS uses the same technology as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to focus a highly refined magnetic field on hypometabolic (underactive) brain areas in order to non-invasively stimulate neural activity and restore normal brain functioning.  TMS treatments are able to “rewire” the brain by inducing neuroplastic changes so that treatment gains persist even after the TMS treatment has been completed.  This contrasts with medication treatment which can provide relief, but the relief is often short-lived if the medication dose is decreased or stopped. For more information please review what is TMS and TMS- A brief history.

Eligibility for TMS Treatment

Although it is a very safe form of therapy, TMS is not for everyone.  Similar to patient’s undergoing an MRI scan, TMS patients cannot have metal surgical clips or other metallic objects in their head or neck (with the exception of dental work). Also, patients with a history of epilepsy should not undergo TMS.  Other eligibility criteria are reviewed in detail during the initial assessment by our psychiatrist prior to starting therapy.

Minimal Side Effects

Because TMS activity is restricted to a two centimeter diameter area on the surface of the brain, it has minimal side effects.  In contrast to medications, it does not introduce a synthetic molecule into a patient’s blood stream, and thus does not systemically affect cells in other parts of the body which is the cause of most medication side effects. TMS has been extensively studied and shown in hundreds of clinical trials to be free of the side effects often experienced with medication (eg weight gain, sedation and sexual dysfunction) and electroconvulsive therapy (eg permanent memory loss).

 

More Information

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions by calling 800 306 2290, we will be happy to assist you in getting the information you need.