TMS
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is currently FDA approved for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. This innovative treatment may help where medications have fallen short.
A NEW APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT
Many people with mental health conditions continue to experience significant symptoms despite treatment with medication and/or talk therapy. TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate activity in specifically targeted regions of the brain. Currently TMS is FDA approved for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder, but has many "off-label"/non-FDA approved applications.
WHAT TMS IS
TMS uses the relationship between electric and magnetic fields to utilize magnetic pulses to stimulate or inhibit specifically targeted areas of the brain. TMS is currently FDA approved for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder, however is used off-label, and has been used overseas for depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, substance use disorders, etc.
WHAT TMS ISN'T
TMS is not ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) sometimes referred to as 'electric shock therapy.' No seizure is induced, no anesthesia is used. TMS is an outpatient treatment that requires no sedation or anesthesia.
HOW IS IT DIFFERENT?
Generally, most medications to treat mental health conditions work off of the 'Monoamine Hypothesis' or the idea that mental health conditions are a result of imbalances in certain neurotransmitters. TMS works off of a more 'circuit-based' approach. Stimulating or inhibiting activity in the brain via electric/magnetic energy
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Often, people do not get adequate response from traditional psychotropic medications or experience significant side effects. TMS is able to target symptoms of conditions like depression without undesirable side effects such as sexual dysfunction or metabolic changes.
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Whether other treatments have fallen short, side effects have been intolerable, or you are simply looking for a non-invasive treatment alternative, TMS may help. Talk to your provider to find out if TMS is right for you.
Insurance
Most insurance plans will cover TMS if you've been tried on 2-4 antidepressants
Efficacy
Many studies demonstrate superior efficacy of TMS when compared to psychotropic medications
Tolerability
The most common side effects of TMS are headaches or tenderness/sensitivity at the treatment location
TEAM
Our dedicated providers, technicians and support staff will guide you through every step of the process
Approval
If you and your provider determine TMS may be a good treatment option for you, some basic information will be reviewed with you (history of medication trials, and therapy) as well as a rating scale that evaluates severity of depressive symptoms. We take it from here and submit a request for authorization from your insurance company.
Starting Treatment
Once insurance has authorized treatment we'll schedule you for your first session. The first day of treatment you'll have a 'cortical mapping' where the treatment location and necessary strength of magnetic pulse is determined. Once the mapping is complete you can start the first treatment immediately after.
Course of Treatment
Treatment is generally between 30-36 sessions that are coupled over a span of 6-8 weeks. Typically people will come in for treatment 5 days a week for the first 5 weeks and taper off. Treatments are typically 19-30 minutes. However a new 'theta-burst' treatment has recently been approved that is only 3 minutes for individuals with very limited time. A 're-mapping' may be done at some point during treatment if it has been difficult to tolerate or response isn't being seen.
See The Improvements
Some people don't see improvement for 6-8 weeks, but the majority of people will start to see improvements within the first 1-2 weeks of treatment.
Now Covered By Most Major Insurance Carriers
Aetna, Cigna, TriCare, Magellan, Blue Shield, Anthem Blue Cross
