How Do I Know If TMS Therapy Is Right For Me

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an alternate method to manage depression. It can be used alone or with medications and other treatments to help mitigate symptoms of depression. 

TMS has been used for depression over the past 20+ years. TMS was first used as a brain mapping technique to identify the regions in the brain in charge of certain behaviors. Beginning in 2008, TMS was FDA-approved for treating depression and was later approved to treat other conditions such as OCD and, in more recent years, smoking cessation. Further research indicates that TMS can benefit anxiety, PTSD, and cognitive impairment. 

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: What is it?

The process uses a series of brief magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in regions of the brain known to be linked to severe depression. TMS is a noninvasive technological advancement, and treatment is often referred to as repetitive TMS or rTMS. 

Currently, TMS for treatment-resistant depression is covered by most insurance companies, but it can entirely depend on your plan. It is a non-systemic treatment that only affects the targeted brain region and nerve cells rather than the entire body, which makes it different from antidepressant medications. If you are curious about this type of treatment and if your insurance will cover TMS, please reach out to our clinic, and we would be happy to assist you in finding out. 

How does TMS treat depression?

Magnetic pulses in TMS technology produce tiny electric currents affecting neurons. TMS activates particular brain regions to alleviate symptoms and end depressive cycles. 

How safe is TMS?

TMS treatments are FDA-approved with no lasting effects. Some patients experience unintentional blinking or facial muscle contractions during the treatment, which is entirely normal. Others claim there may be some mild headaches or slight pain at the treatment site following treatment, although this discomfort typically subsides within 24 hours. 

Who can benefit from TMS?

TMS treatment is FDA-approved for patients 18 and older who have not responded to conventional treatments for severe depression. In these cases, patients suffer from a depression that is resistant to treatment, referred to as treatment-resistant depression, or TRD. 

If you think TMS might benefit your situation, please reach out to us, and we would be happy to conduct an evaluation and see how TMS can benefit you. Some patients may not be eligible to receive this treatment due to prior health concerns, such as strokes, brain damage, or metal implants in or near the head. However, if you have any of these medical conditions, please reach out to Better Balance Psychiatry to see if TMS is a viable solution for you. 

Bottom Line

TMS treatment is a significant technological advancement in treating major depression rather than using conventional methods. In this process, magnetic pulses stimulate neurons in regions of the brain responsible for controlling depression repetitively in a controlled environment.

Having worked extensively with TMS patients, we have found that TMS can be beneficial and life-changing to many people. We have worked with plenty of patients to navigate their treatment plans and have determined that TMS is very successful in many situations. Our clinic is in the 93rd percentile in terms of success in first-time TMS patients! At Better Balance Psychiatry, we are passionate about what we do and pride ourselves in determining the best treatment for you.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with Dr. Hendleman with Better Balance Psychiatry to help bring a better balance to your life!

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