How TMS Treats Anxiety and Depression
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) uses a targeted pulsed magnetic field, similar to what is used in an MRI machine to deliver magnetic pulses to the area of the brain with weakened neurotransmitter activity causing depression.
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 6-19 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 recline in a comfortable treatment chair and relax
- A padded helmet with TMS coils will be positioned lightly on your head
During Treatment
- The helmet’s coils will deliver focused magnetic stimulation directly to the affected target areas of the brain
- You’ll hear short burst clicking sounds and feel a tapping sensation on your head, your jaw may lock up slightly
- These short burst clicking sounds will last a couple of short seconds with 10-20 second intervals between bursts
- The total duration of the treatment is 6-19 minutes, depending on the type of treatment
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 depression & 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