TMS is a type of therapy that uses a magnetic field to change the way the brain works. It treats depression, OCD, and other brain disorders. Tms therapy for depression is an alternative treatment that can be beneficial when other therapies are ineffective. The side effects are usually moderate and transient.
Why Would a Magnet Have an Impact on my Brain?
Tms therapy for depression uses electricity and magnetism. These two principles can work together, and TMS relies on them. Beyond a magnet, there is magnetically active space. The magnet at its center affects that space, but you can’t see it. Your brain’s electrical activity matters. Neurons in your brain and nerves use small quantities of electricity to deliver and receive information. Magnets affect brain electrical activity. A magnet that turns on and off is needed for TMS. That’s feasible by utilizing electricity to turn the magnet on and off.
Why is TMS Done?
TMS can help when other treatments fail. Another good thing about it is that it doesn’t hurt you. No surgery is needed, as the therapy is done through your skin. TMS can also replace ECT if it’s ineffective. TMS is approved to treat different illnesses in different countries. TMS is FDA-approved for four conditions:
- Major depression (MDD) includes treatment-resistant depression
- OCD
- Migraines
- Smoking cessation
Investigations into its efficacy outside the permitted parameters are underway. These may include:
- Addictions
- Alzheimer’s illness
- Bipolar
- BPD—borderline personality
- Chronic ache
- Eating issues
- Essential tremor
- Fibromyalgia
- Parkinson’s disease
- PTSD
- Schizophrenia
- Stroke complications
- Hearing loss and hallucinations
- Traumatic brain injury
Depression treatment in Dallas includes TMS, CBT, pharmaceutical management, and holistic alternatives. These comprehensive services serve people with varied degrees of depression and provide successful treatment.
Do These Treatments Work For Everyone?
TMS depression therapies are popular for the following reasons:
- Antidepressants and psychotherapy failed the person
- Medication side effects prevent proper treatment
- The person prefers TMS to antidepressants
These treatments aren’t for everyone, like any health treatment. A complete psychological and medical evaluation is needed to establish if neurostimulation is right for someone. TMS should only be prescribed after a thorough psychiatrist-patient consultation. After your psychological and physical evaluation, your psychiatrist can discuss the efficacy of therapy. You may benefit from treatment days to weeks later.
Procedure Details
What Happens Prior to TMS?
Doctors may refer patients to specialists before TMS. They will also check if you qualify for TMS or if there are any contraindications before treatment.
Reasons to Avoid TMS Include:
Any implant that is either electrical or magnetic. Individuals with cranium plates, cochlear implants, and other medical devices are adversely affected by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The powerful magnet in TMS can tug on any magnetic implant metal. That pull could displace an implant and cause significant discomfort or injury.
History of seizures, epilepsy, or brain disorders are common. Though rare, TMS can cause seizures. If you have a related condition or take a seizure-inducing medication, your doctor may suggest switching medications or attempting a new treatment.
If TMS is safe and effective for you, your healthcare provider will discuss a treatment regimen. TMS requires three to five weekly treatments over several weeks. TMS sessions for FDA-approved depression protocols occur every workday for six weeks, totaling 30. However, some modern treatments can substantially cut treatment time to one week. Because treatment courses vary, your doctor can best describe the suggested treatment plan. They can give you the most accurate, case-specific information.
What Happens During TMS?
Before the operation, you may just need to remove metal-framed spectacles or jewelry. Remove all metallic jewelry to avoid accidentally exposing yourself to magnetic metals. Some devices use helmet magnets. Other magnets are coupled to extension arms like those used by doctors to position overhead lights. Sit in a customized chair under or near the magnet, according to your provider. After sitting comfortably, your provider will give you earplugs. Because the magnet’s sound is powerful enough to damage your hearing (MRI scans also require hearing protection),. After you wear hearing protection, your doctor will place the magnet on your head. The location depends on your condition.
Your doctor will give you scalp single-pulse stimulation before treatment. This helps choose the best treatment location. After placing the magnet, they’ll begin treatment. The magnet will tap you early on as your supplier slowly increases the magnetic pulse power. Your hands, especially your thumbs, will twitch as your pulse strength increases. Seeing this is normal and helps your doctor determine when the pulse is strong enough.
Your healthcare provider will have the magnet deliver pulses at a specified period or pattern after choosing the pulse strength. The magnet turns on and off during treatments, making clicking sounds. Pauses may occur between pulses.
Depending on the type of TMS and magnetic field pulse pattern, therapy sessions might take a few minutes to 30 minutes. After therapy, you can resume your daily routine. Your provider may advise you to wait a few minutes before leaving if you suffer persisting side effects like twitching or strange head or face feelings.
Last Words
TMS therapy for depression is promising, especially for patients who have not responded to medicine or psychotherapy. TMS stimulates brain nerve cells with magnetic fields, reducing depression symptoms without surgery. In clinical investigations, TMS improved depressive signs for many individuals, making it a viable supplement to depression therapy.
TMS is generally well-tolerated and effective, but its accessibility, cost, and long-term efficacy need further study to determine its function in depression care. TMS therapy in Dallas is a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment for depression, especially for people who have not found relief with traditional techniques.
