Repetitive transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

What is TMS?

Trans-cranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

ReACH Psychiatry is offering a new brain stimulation therapy called rTMS Therapy to help people suffering from severe Anxiety and Depression. This is a great alternative for those who wish to take a non-medicated and non-invasive approach.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a state-of-the-art, safe, and effective treatment for Depressive Disorders, Anxiety disorders, Parkinson’s disease, Schizophrenia, Trauma and Stress related disorders, chronic pain, migraine, etc. It has been an approved treatment option since October 2018 by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA). It is a non-invasive treatment, no sedation is required, patients are awake and alert during treatment and can even drive themselves home, or resume work immediately following treatment.
The procedure is typically administered daily (weekdays) for 3-6 weeks, for about 30 to 40 minutes per session, and is administered on an outpatient basis.

transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-near-me

TMS has been known to help individuals with the following symptoms and disorders:

Bipolar mood disorder
Anxiety Disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Schizophrenia (certain symptoms)
Eating disorders - Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)
Migraine headaches
Chronic pain
Parkinson's disease

Multiple Sclerosis
Stroke
Fibromyalgia
Autism
Dysthymia Anxiety
Addictions Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Tinnitus Chronic pain
Sleep disorders
Chemical Inbalance

TMS Benefits

There are numerous benefits to this new treatment for anxiety and depression, some of which has been outlined below:

Alternative for Treatment Resistant Depression

TMS is a great alternative to treat Treatment-Resistant Depression. This is when antidepression medications are not working for you or producing unfavorable side-effects. TMS may be the solution for you.

No Side Effects

Unlike some medication for depression or anxiety, TMS treatment will not cause any weight gain, nausea, dry mouth, decreased sex drive, etc.

Non-Invasive

TMS does not require anesthesia or electric shocks. It is a simple and comfortable treatment modality.

Little to No Discomfort

Most people who have taken the TMS treatment have reported experiencing no side-effects at all. Some people have reported slight headaches as a result of this new treatment. The sensation may differ for everyone, but the after-effects, if present, are minimal and not to be feared.

Minimal Disruptions to Daily Activities

A TMS session only lasts 30-40 minutes and you are able to drive yourself home or back to work straight after. Recovery time is nothing to be concerned about.

How TMS Works?

TMS is a non-invasive treatment modality and so does not require anesthesia and can be done at ReACH. Prior to TMS, patients need a medical exam to ensure that the treatment is safe and good option for your health. The doctor will ask you a number of questions regarding your symptoms.

Before the treatment begins, your therapist will determine the right area to place the magnets on your head and the best dose of the magnetic energy as per the patient’s motor threshold. You’ll be asked to sit in a reclining chair after which, your session can continue as usual.

An electromagnetic coil will be placed on your head, which will start and stop with varying intervals to produce a stimulating pulse. This will result in a tapping and clicking sound that lasts for a few seconds and is followed by a pause. You’ll also feel a tapping sensation on your forehead and this process is called as mapping.

Your doctor will determine the amount of magnetic energy needed, known as your motor threshold to identify the right dose for you. Depending upon the course of treatment, this amount of stimulation can be changed as per your symptoms and side effects. Once the location of coil and amount of magnetic energy is determined you are ready for undergoing the TMS procedure.

TMS Procedure:

The TMS treatment is performed in the doctor’s clinic and is very simple
The patient is asked to sit down in a comfortable seat
The TMS device is placed on the head
Pulses are delivered for 30-40 minutes
You will remain awake and alert during this entire procedure
Patients can then drive home or return to work as usual
Follow up sessions are scheduled and conducted as per the treatment plan.