How TMS Treats Anxiety
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) employs targeted pulsed magnetic fields, similar to those used in MRI machines, to deliver magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain associated with anxiety. By stimulating these regions, TMS aims to enhance neurotransmitter activity and regulate neural circuits that contribute to anxiety symptoms.
During the TMS procedure, the patient wears a padded helmet which activates the magnetic pulses and is awake and alerts the entire time.
In-office TMS treatments take 20-40 minutes and are administered 5 days a week for approximately 4-6 weeks.
What you can expect from a TMS Therapy session
Before Treatment
- You will relax in a comfortable treatment chair, ensuring you are at ease before the procedure begins.
- A padded helmet equipped with TMS coils will be gently placed on your head, precisely positioning the device over the targeted areas associated with anxiety.
- A brief consultation with your healthcare provider may occur to confirm your comfort and address any last-minute questions.
During Treatment
- The TMS coils in the helmet will emit focused magnetic pulses directly to specific regions of the brain linked to anxiety regulation.
- You may hear rhythmic clicking sounds and feel a mild tapping sensation on your scalp; occasionally, you might experience slight muscle twitching in your face.
- These magnetic pulses are delivered in short bursts lasting a few seconds, with intervals of 10-20 seconds between each burst to ensure comfort and safety.
- Each treatment session typically lasts between 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the prescribed treatment plan tailored to your needs.
After Treatment
- You can resume normal activities immediately
- Because there are no effects on alertness, you can drive yourself to and from treatment sessions
TMS for Anxiety
TMS treatments have been tested and approved by the FDA since 2008. The treatment is completely non-invasive. The patient is alert and fully awake during the entire session. Over a period of 15 years and millions of treatments TMS has shown to be well tolerated with little reported systemic side effects.
During the TMS treatment patients will feel a very short rapid 2-second pulse-like tapping against their foreheads. This happens in 20-second intervals. It is not painful and is often described as experiencing the tapping of a woodpecker.
Some patients will feel scalp discomfort with a possible mild to moderate headache during session. This mostly dissipates after the session, and markedly improves after the first few treatments. The TMS technician will monitor the pulse intensity to insure the patient’s comfort. After the sessions patients can resume normal activities.
Studies show that TMS provides substantial relief from depression in 70%-80% of the cases with more than half of patients experiencing complete remission. Most patients feel a positive difference in their moods by the 2nd or 3rd week. For others it could take 4-5 weeks.
Get In Touch With Us
info@lifequalitytms.com
(718) 400-0867
(718) 4000-TMS
26 Court St., Ste 808
Brooklyn, NY 11201