Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

What is TMS?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an innovative, FDA-cleared therapeutic option for treatment-resistant depression. TMS is noninvasive and uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells. The stimulation reduces your symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders. 

Revived Soul Medical P.C. recommends TMS therapy when you haven’t found relief with antidepressant medications, or if the medications cause intolerable side effects. 

How does TMS work?

Specific parts of your brain are responsible for regulating your mood. If the neurotransmitters and receptors in that region are underactive, you’re likely to develop depression or other mood disorders. 

TMS stimulates your underactive nerve cells by delivering a painless magnetic pulse to your brain. The treatment triggers the production and release of the neurotransmitters responsible for regulating your mood.

Who is a good candidate for TMS?

TMS therapy is an alternative if you have depression and other treatments haven’t successfully relieved your symptoms. You do need to meet specific criteria to be eligible for TMS treatment, including:

• 18 or older
• No history of manic episodes
• Have tried at least two antidepressants without relief
• No metal in or above the neck (fillings are usually acceptable)
• No history of seizures or epilepsy

If depression interferes with your life and you haven’t found an effective treatment, call Revived Soul Medical P.C. and find out if TMS is right for you.

What should I expect during TMS treatment?

TMS includes a series of treatments. You have sessions five days per week for between 4-6 weeks. Your first appointment takes the longest, as your provider needs to measure your head and the angles to position the TMS equipment against the correct part of your head. They program your measurements and angles into the TMS computer so that when you arrive for future appointments, the machine calibrates itself to your specific measurements. 

During your treatment, you sit in a comfortable chair with the small TMS coil positioned lightly against your head. Each treatment takes 20-45 minutes. You may feel a light tapping sensation or hear a clicking sound. However, TMS treatment is completely noninvasive and painless. 

You can return to your regular activities as soon as your treatment is complete. There are no side effects, so you can even drive yourself to and from your appointment. TMS treatments don’t affect your alertness or your memory.

Call Revived Soul Medical P.C. or schedule a consultation online today to find out if TMS is right for you.