What Is TMS Therapy?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a novel form of Brain Stimulation used to treat patients whose condition has not improved through conventional approaches.

Benefits of TMS

Unlike other treatments, such as medications, TMS is not associated with the common side effects of weight gain, sexual problems, sleepiness or memory loss. It is also much less invasive than deep brain stimulation, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and other alternative treatment options for depression.

Although mostly used in clinical practice to treat major depression, there is a growing body of scientific evidence supporting the effective use of TMS as a treatment for a wide range of brain disorders. These disorders include Tinnitus, Generalized Anxiety, and Cognitive Impairment.

TMS Procedure

During the TMS procedure, a coil device is placed over the patient’s head to deliver magnetic pulses to the brain. These pulses cause electrical changes within the underlying brain circuitry. This procedure is non-invasive and relatively painless.

Depending on the type of treatment, each treatment session takes about 15-45 minutes to perform, and patients can resume their regular activities immediately after each session. To achieve effective results, patients usually will need to be treated five days a week on weekdays for four to eight weeks, depending on the individual condition and response rate and condition.

Results of TMS

After a full course of treatment, patients notice a significant reduction in symptoms which persists beyond the end of the treatment course.

Side Effects of TMS

While TMS is a safer and less invasive alternative to other brain stimulation procedures, there are certain risks associated with any type of treatment. Most patients undergo TMS with no major side effects.