Are you considering TMS therapy for your addiction, depression, or anxiety? If you’re unsure about the procedure, check out our TMS Therapy FAQs below for the answers you’re looking for.

TMS Therapy FAQs

a doctor explaining to a patient tms therapy faqsWhat is TMS therapy? TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. TMS is non-invasive, using an over-the-head coil. Technicians use the coil to administer brief magnetic pulses to a specific part of the brain. Physicians have used TMS therapeutically to treat depression since the 1980s.

Frequently, doctors use TMS therapy as an alternative to pharmaceuticals and psychotherapy. Patients who fail to achieve an adequate response to either method should consider TMS therapy. However, as with any technique, not all patients will respond to TMS therapy treatment in Tampa, FL.

TMS Therapy FAQs: How Does TMS Work?

How does TMS therapy work? TMS produces changes in the activity of neurons in regions of the brain associated with mood or pain regulation. One such region is the prefrontal cortex.

The magnetic pulses induce brief activity of nerve cells inside the magnetic field beneath the treatment coil. TMS pulse frequency influences whether or not brain activity increases or decreases after therapy.

TMS uses magnetic pulses. As such, physicians ask patients to remove magnetic-sensitive objects like jewelry and credit cards. TMS machines also produce a loud clicking sound for each pulse. Staff provide earplugs as they would for MRI treatment. During the first session, doctors measure the patient’s head to position the TMS coil correctly. After this, the technician suspends the TMS coil over the patient’s scalp.

The technician then finds the motor cortex and measures the patient’s motor threshold. The motor threshold is the minimum amount of power necessary to make the patient’s thumb twitch. The motor threshold varies from patient to patient. Measuring this threshold helps the physician determine the amount of energy needed to stimulate a patient’s nerve cells.

After measuring the motor threshold, the physician places the coil above the patient’s treatment area. TMS patients hear a series of clicks and feel taps on their scalp under the coil during treatment.

Medical FAQs About TMS Therapy

Who administers TMS? A trained technician always conducts TMS. The technician will always be present to monitor the patient during treatment. The patient can stop therapy at any point by asking staff to stop said treatment.

Are there any patients who shouldn’t undergo TMS therapy? Patients with non-removable metal in their heads should not undergo TMS therapy, with an exception for braces and dental fillings. TMS therapy is generally mild; the most common side effects are headaches.

Is TMS like electroshock therapy? Contrary to some misconceptions, TMS therapy is not like electroshock therapy, which intentionally induces a seizure. As opposed to electroshock therapy, TMS therapy does not require sedation, anesthesia, or muscle relaxants. Patients can resume daily activities immediately after a TMS session.

Does the FDA approve TMS therapy? The FDA approves TMS therapy for depression, anxiety, addiction, and other mental health conditions.

TMS Therapy FAQs: How Long Does It Last?

Each TMS patient receives individualized treatment to meet their specific needs. As a result, the length of a TMS therapy course can vary. For a depression patient, TMS therapy involves sessions five days a week for 4 to 6 weeks.

Each TMS session lasts between 20-45 minutes. Treatment times vary from patient to patient, depending on what the doctor prescribes. Initially, each session lasts 1 hour, ensuring enough time for staff to comfortably treat the patient. The length of each session may change throughout treatment, depending on the patient’s response.

Each patient receives an individualized treatment plan before TMS therapy. Physicians monitor your progress throughout the entire course of treatment.

TMS Therapy FAQs: Where Can I Find Treatment?

Wondering where you can find TMS therapy? Check out TMS Therapy Now’s list of locations. If you have any other FAQs about TMS therapy, contact us online or call 866.305.7668 today!