Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) involves the use of magnetic pulses to stimulate specific parts of the brain that help to regulate mood. Since patients with depression have decreased activity in these areas, TMS aims to relieve symptoms by increasing the activity.
TMS therapy is non-invasive, and does not cause the typical side effects that traditional medication can. With that said, patients who receive TMS therapy can combine it with other treatment strategies, including medication. Additionally, TMS has been shown to have long-lasting effects, especially when regular maintenance treatments are involved.
TMS is a great option for those who are struggling with depression and not getting full relief from medication and therapy. TMS is virtually side-effect free, making it an effective alternative for individuals who cannot tolerate typical medication side effects.
Patients typically can return to their regular daily activities immediately following treatment. Patients can usually drive and work as well.
TMS treatment does not require anesthesia or sedatives, so patients are awake and alert the whole time. The patient will sit in a comfortable chair while the magnetic coil is placed properly on their head. Once the machine is turned on, it will create magnetic pulses that feel like taps. A TMS machine’s energy has a similar level of strength to an MRI. The typical recommended course of treatment for TMS therapy at CBH involves thirty-six, half-hour sessions over approximately seven weeks. However, patients may experience relief from some of their symptoms within just a few weeks of starting treatment.
When it comes to treating anxiety and major depressive disorder, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been evaluated as a safe and effective treatment for patients who have not seen improvement with medications. TMS is a non-invasive outpatient procedure and can be combined with other treatment strategies.
The feelings you get from anxiety, such as racing heart, shortness of breath, and upset stomach, are thought to be the result of an imbalance of activity in the emotional centers of the brain. TMS utilizes magnetic pulses on the head, which feel like taps, essentially slowing down the parts of the brain that are overactive when someone is experiencing anxiety (or underactive with depression.) Patients feel relief from the pulses as the corresponding areas of the brain are brought back to normal activity levels.
TMS was recently approved on our device to reduce anxiety symptoms that accompany major depression. While TMS is not FDA approved for anxiety without depression at this point, research has proven that it is a safe and effective treatment. When prescribed medications for anxiety and/or depression, such as benzodiazepines, people experience side effects such as sedation, confusion, or may become physically dependent. TMS treatments have none of those effects. Contact us today to find out if TMS is the right treatment for you.
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