TMS - Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Overview

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. TMS is typically used when other depression treatments haven't been effective.

How Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Works

During a TMS session, an electromagnetic coil is placed against your scalp near your forehead. The electromagnet painlessly delivers a magnetic pulse that stimulates nerve cells in the region of your brain involved in mood control and depression. And it may activate regions of the brain that have decreased activity in people with depression.

Though the biology of why rTMS works isn't completely understood, the stimulation appears to affect how this part of the brain is working, which in turn seems to ease depression symptoms and improve mood.
Treatment for depression involves delivering repetitive magnetic pulses, so it's called repetitive TMS or rTMS.

 

Why Is TMS DONE?

Depression is a treatable condition, but for some people, standard treatments aren't effective. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is typically used when standard treatments such as medications and talk therapy (psychotherapy) don't work. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is FDA approved for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder and has been shown to help improve symptoms of depression. It is a non-invasive, office-based treatment.

 

Risks

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive form of brain stimulation used for depression. Unlike vagus nerve stimulation or deep brain stimulation, rTMS does not require surgery or implantation of electrodes. And, unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), rTMS doesn't cause seizures or require sedation with anesthesia.
Generally, rTMS is considered safe and well-tolerated. However, it can cause some side effects.

Common Side Effects

Side effects are generally mild to moderate and improve shortly after an individual session and decrease over time with additional sessions. They may include:
• Headache
• Scalp discomfort at the site of stimulation
• Tingling, spasms or twitching of facial muscles
• Lightheadedness

Uncommon Side Effects

Serious side effects are rare. They may include:
• Seizures
• Mania, particularly in people with bipolar disorder
• Hearing loss if there is inadequate ear protection during treatment
More study is needed to determine whether rTMS may have any long-term side effects.

Before Treatment

Before having repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), you may need a:

• Physical exam and possibly lab tests or other tests to make sure rTMS is a safe and good option for you
• Psychiatric evaluation to discuss your depression

Tell your doctor or mental health provider if:

• You're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant.
• You have any metal or implanted medical devices in your body. In some cases, people with metal implants or devices can have rTMS. However, due to the strong magnetic field produced during rTMS, the procedure is not recommended for some people who have the following devices:
  • Aneurysm clips or coils
  • Stents
  • Implanted stimulators
  • Implanted vagus nerve or deep brain stimulators
  • Implanted electrical devices, such as pacemakers or medication pumps
  • Electrodes for monitoring brain activity
  • Cochlear implants for hearing
  • Any magnetic implants
  •  Bullet fragments
  • Any other metal device or object implanted in your body
• You're taking any medications, including prescription or over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, vitamins or other supplements, and the doses.
• You have a history of seizures or a family history of epilepsy.
• You have other mental health disorders, such as substance misuse, bipolar disorder or psychosis.
• You have brain damage from illness or injury, such as a brain tumor, a stroke or a traumatic brain injury.
• You have frequent or severe headaches.
• You have any other medical conditions.
  
  

Before Your First Appointment

Repetitive TMS isn't invasive, doesn't require anesthesia and can be performed in a doctor's office. You don't need to arrange for someone to drive you home after treatment — unless, for the first treatment, you prefer a driver until you get a sense of how you'll feel afterward.
Before considering treatment, check with your health insurance company to see whether rTMS is covered. Your policy may not cover it.

What You Can Expect

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is usually done on an outpatient basis in a doctor's office or clinic. It requires a series of treatment sessions to be effective. Generally, sessions are carried out daily, five times a week for four to six weeks.

Your First Treatment

Before treatment begins, your doctor will need to identify the best place to put the magnets on your head and the best dose of magnetic energy for you. Your first appointment typically lasts about 30-40 minutes.
Most likely, during your first appointment:

• You'll be taken to a treatment room, asked to sit in a reclining chair and may be given earplugs.
• An electromagnetic coil will be placed against your head and switched off and on repeatedly to produce stimulating pulses. This results in a tapping or clicking sound that usually lasts for a few seconds, followed by a pause. You'll also feel a tapping sensation on your forehead. This part of the process is called mapping.
• Your doctor will determine the amount of magnetic energy needed by increasing the magnetic dose until your fingers or hands twitch. Known as your motor threshold, this is used as a reference point in determining the right dose for you. During the course of treatment, the amount of stimulation can be changed, depending on your symptoms and side effects.

During Each Treatment

Once the coil placement and dose are identified, you're ready to begin. Here's what to expect during each treatment:

• You'll sit in a comfortable chair, with the magnetic coil placed against your head.
• When the machine is turned on, you'll hear clicking sounds and feel tapping on your forehead.
• The procedure will last about under 19 minutes, and you'll remain awake and alert. You may feel some scalp discomfort during the treatment and for a short time afterward.

 

After Each Treatment

You can return to your normal daily activities after your treatment. Typically, between treatments, you can expect to work and drive.
There are different ways to perform the procedure. Techniques may change as experts learn more about the most effective ways to perform treatments.

 

Results

If repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) works for you, your depression symptoms may improve or go away completely. Symptom relief may take a few weeks of treatment.

 

How To Schedule An Appointment

Talk to your healthcare provider about Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as this treatment is not for everyone, however, you may be referred to one of our TMS consulting Psychiatrists available at the practice for a consultation and if appropriate based upon the assessment treatment can be initiated.

 

Payment for Sessions

Many insurance plans cover Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, each plan varies in its coverage of TMS. Ask a member of our staff to assist you.