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Breakthrough Depression Treatment

FDA-approved and non-invasive, our TMS therapy offers hope for treatment-resistant depression. Many patients see significant improvement within weeks through magnetic stimulation, with treatments covered by most insurance providers.

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Understanding Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy

TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is a non-invasive electromagnetic stimulation device that helps to fill the gap in treatment options for patients who need relief from their depression but have not found success with medications. It can resolve or significantly reduce depression and anxiety symptoms in a significant portion of patients. TMS gently stimulates the brain over a small area of the brain called the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DPC) which serves as a major connection hub for the brain. Research suggests this stimulation improves depressive symptoms by increasing the strength of this pathway to relieve depression and anxiety symptoms.

Who is TMS for?

If moderate to severe depression is still taking hold of your life after at least 3 failed attempts of different medications, TMS may be the next best option for you. It has demonstrated robust efficacy for depressive and anxiety symptoms in unipolar and bipolar depression. There are a few contraindications to TMS treatment, including a history of seizures and metal implants/clips above the shoulders that cannot be removed during treatment (with the exception of braces or dental fillings). There is an extremely small risk of a seizure from treatment, estimated at 0.01%, thoughhas been further reduced by refining treatment protocols/standards over the last number of years. Additionally, TMS is considered safe in pregnancy. Our TMS providers will review a complete list of possible contraindications before administering treatment to ensure your safety.

What Makes PMA Different?

We pride ourselves in offering a wide range of individualized psychiatric care across various specialties- TMS is one of many treatments we offer. We provide the highest level of attention to each patient to ensure the highest quality of patient care, comfort, and safety. We will coordinate with your current provider for TMS treatment though we have availability if you are also interested in establishing or transferring your care.

Your TMS Process

Qualifying for Treatment: Complete the TMS inquiry form or call our office, and our TMS coordinator will help facilitate each step of this process. You will then meet with one of our psychiatrists specializing in TMS, who will review your history and current concerns to determine if this is the most appropriate treatment for you. 

TMS Treatment Experience: At the initial session, your treating Psychiatrist and TMS technician will make various measurements and assessments to calibrate your TMS treatment. During the treatment, the patient is seated in a comfortable reclining chair. You are awake for the duration of the treatment in a comfortable reclining chair. Some choose to relax by listening to music or a podcast (earbuds are fine)- or just taking a rest. Each treatment lasts approximately 20 minutes daily with the full course consisting of 30 sessions over 6 weeks. Many people describe the treatment as feeling and sounding like a tapping woodpecker on a small area of the scalp. Minor headaches and tenderness are the most common initial side effects, though they generally subside and can be treated with Acetaminophen. Patients generally report noticing a significant improvement in depressive symptoms after about 3 weeks of treatment.

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TMS Frequently Asked Questions

While highly effective, TMS may not be suitable for those with metal implants above the shoulders (except dental fillings) or a history of seizures. Our TMS specialists will conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure your safety and suitability for treatment.

Yes, patients may continue their normal medications, though we may recommend lowering a few specific medications during the course of treatment to increase the likelihood of response from TMS.

Many patients describe the sensation as a woodpecker tapping on a small, localized spot on the scalp. We provide patients with earplugs to protect their hearing from the tapping sound that comes from the magnetic coil during the stimulation pulses to increase comfort. Most patients report the tapping is the most uncomfortable during the first week of treatment, is much less intense the second week of treatment, and is barely noticeable after that. Some patients report twitching of the eye area, cheek, and jaw during the pulses as well, which is not painful.

Some patients report a very mild headache or scalp tenderness during the first week oftreatment. These symptoms are temporary. There is no recovery time for TMS treatments, so patients can immediately resume their normal activities including driving and going to work directly after their daily appointments.

Yes. TMS is a safe, effective, non-invasive, non-systemic, and FDA-approved treatment for treatment-resistant depression for Major Depression and Bipolar Major Depressive Disorders It is currently being studied for more conditions including anxiety, fibromyalgia, OCD, Parkinson’s, and much more. There are no negative cognitive side effects to TMS.

Because of the various factors that influence each person's depression, there's no definitive answer to how long the TMS results will last. Most patients who respond experience improvement in their symptoms for six months to a year or more.

Both TMS and ECT work by stimulating specific areas of the brain that regulate mood. ECT uses electric currents to stimulate a seizure, while TMS uses a magnetic coil to stimulate a small area of the cortex. In most cases, it makes sense to try TMS first as it can improve brain function without cognitive side effects and does not require anesthesia. ECT requires sedation and is associated with a prolonged recovery time and short-term memory impairment. In contrast, TMS is non-invasive and no recovery time is necessary. You can drive yourself home immediately after the appointment and resume your activities as you normally would.

Esketamine, the FDA approved version of Ketamine, is approved for severe Major Depression and can relieve depressive symptoms for those needing a quick, though temporary improvement. However, the benefits tend to diminish by 2 weeks. Further, the more accessible intravenous administration of Ketamine is not FDA approved with greater potential risks.

TMS is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. There are no known side effects to either mother or baby. TMS might even be a preferred method of treating depression since standard medications are systemic and can affect the baby, though would still be subject to usual insurance plan requirements.

Please reference your insurer’s out-of-network benefits for reimbursement or choose from a self-pay payment plan for your treatment.

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Take Your First Step Toward Relief

Join the thousands who have found freedom from depression through TMS therapy. Our experienced team is ready to help you start your journey to better mental health.