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When other depression treatments aren't enough, physicians may have another option to use Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation or TMS Therapy. This therapy is an FDA-cleared medical treatment for people suffering from major depression. It can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with other medications. This therapy works by applying magnetic stimulation to certain brain areas involved in mood regulation.

Below are the common questions people asked about TMS therapy.

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What is repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a treatment for depression, OCD, addictions and other mental health conditions. The TMS machine emits high-frequency magnetic pulses to the area of the brain known to cause the condition. The TMS treatment stimulates the brain, resulting in neuroplasticity, which creates connections between the nerve cells. For example, in the case of depression, the left side of the prefrontal cortex is stimulated, restoring the connections to help it work as it should, without the symptoms of depression.

Are TMS and dTMS the same treatment?

Although similar, TMS is more commonly used. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation uses a magnet referred to by professionals as a 'figure of eight coils'. This coil emits repetitive magnetic pulses to the specific area of the brain known to cause the condition being treated. In comparison, deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or dTMS, uses an 'H-coil', which looks like a helmet. The magnetic pulse that the dTMS produces affects a large part of the brain compared to the rTMS treatment.

How convenient is TMS therapy?

Because TMS therapy can conduct sessions much more quickly than other treatments, sessions can be easily integrated into your schedule. Sessions are completed while seated with a cushioned helmet for the patient's comfort. Most patients see significant results after four weeks of brief, 20-minute sessions every weekday. Some mental health professionals can space sessions out more if you cannot come into the office every weekday. After the TMS depression treatment, patients can do their normal routines without experiencing any major side effects. This therapy can also be used in conjunction with other medical treatments.

Can I use it as an alternative for medications?

TMS is a very promising, FDA-approved treatment that has been shown to produce long-lasting results even for patients with treatment-resistant depression. Unlike other antidepressant alternatives, TMS therapy does not require hospitalisation or anaesthesia and entails no memory loss. Suppose you exhibit the symptoms commonly associated with depression, which can include disinterest or lack of pleasure in daily activities, feeling down or hopeless, atypical sleep patterns or appetite, lethargy and low energy, low self-esteem, and difficulty concentrating. If you think you have those symptoms, you better consult an expert and ask if TMS depression treatment is good for you. You need to ensure first that you are qualified for TMS therapy.

What are some tips before undergoing TMS?

You can do some things to make sure that you get the most out of your TMS sessions. These include:

- Being consistent. You may need several treatments over a certain period before you begin to notice any effects.

- Checking with your insurance. Some insurance plans may cover the cost of your treatment, but you should always check with your policy provider first.

- Following your doctor's recommendations. Ensure that you observe the guidelines needed before, during, and after the TMS therapy.

Is TMS therapy for everyone?

TMS therapy is very safe, but some exceptions can affect the safety of the patient. Be aware of any precautions or contraindications associated with TMS. Some people should not undergo the procedure, including those with metal implants in the head. Tell your doctor if you have any implantable devices, stents, bullet fragments, or aneurysm clips near your head or neck area.

Are there any potential side effects?

TMS is generally considered safe when used following established guidelines. After the sessions, some patients have headaches, drowsiness, and other mild symptoms. However, these side effects are often gone after few hours.

If every depression treatment fails to work, your last resort may be Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation or TMS therapy. This FDA-cleared treatment has become popular over the past years because of its ability to cure many patients. Aside from that, it is also non-invasive, which means there is no surgery involved.