All You Need To Know About TMS Therapy

If you are seeking relief from depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, then TMS Therapy may be the answer you’ve been searching for. It is a non-invasive, medication-free treatment method that effectively treats several mental health issues. It works by delivering repetitive magnetic pulses to specific brain areas. Read on to learn more about TMS Therapy and its effectiveness in treating mental health issues.

What Is TMS Therapy, and What Are Its Benefits?

TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. It’s a non-invasive, drug-free treatment for depression that uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate the nerve cells. Statistics have shown that TMS therapy is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated treatment for those suffering from depression. Approximately 50 to 60 percent of people who receive TMS therapy experience a significant decrease in symptoms. A recent review of randomized trials found that TMS effectively treated depression in up to 54 percent of patients.

The therapy also treats other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, ADHD, and OCD. Studies show that TMS therapy can effectively treat these conditions, although the results are not as strong as for depression.

TMS Therapy can help restore balance to areas of the brain that regulate mood and behavior. The FDA first approved TMS in 2008, and since then, its popularity has steadily increased.

How Does TMS Therapy Work?

The professional places an electromagnetic coil on the patient’s scalp, sending pulses to the brain areas that control mood and behavior. These pulses help to stimulate neurons in the brain and create new neural pathways for communication.

Types of TMS

There are several types of TMS Therapy, including:

Repetitive TMS (rTMS)
This treatment involves administering a series of low-intensity magnetic pulses at a set frequency.

Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS)
This treatment involves delivering bursts of magnetic energy to the brain. The magnetic pulses are applied in specific patterns.

Multi-coil TMS
This treatment uses a larger magnetic coil to deliver pulses simultaneously to multiple brain regions.

Deep TMS
This treatment directly targets the limbic system of the brain and works at a deeper level than other forms of TMS. Research suggests deep TMS facilitates healthy neuron growth and functioning in the limbic system.

Benefits of TMS

Non-Invasive: It is a non-invasive procedure that does not require surgical incisions or injections.

No Medication: TMS doesn’t require the use of any medication. So there are no risks of addiction.

Helps Manage Symptoms: TMS can reduce symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating. It can provide long-lasting relief from symptoms.

Fewer Side Effects: TMS therapy has few noted side effects, such as scalp discomfort and mild headaches. These effects typically dissipate quickly.

Long-Lasting Effects: The effects of TMS therapy can last up to several months after the treatment sessions have ended. This makes it easier for patients to maintain the positive results of the therapy.

Personalized Treatment: During TMS therapy, the doctor can adjust the device’s settings to better suit the individual patient’s needs. This enables the doctor to tailor the therapy to each patient’s needs, making it much more effective.

Painless: TMS therapy is a painless procedure that requires no anesthesia or sedation. This makes the therapy much more accessible for those who may be wary of more invasive treatments.

Who Can Benefit from TMS Therapy?

TMS therapy is typically used to treat people who have depression. However, this therapy is also effective for anxiety and other trauma-related disorders. This is especially useful for patients who aren’t improving with other treatment options like antidepressant medications or talk therapy. For a patient to be eligible for TMS therapy, they must meet specific criteria. These include having been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Additionally, they must be 18 years or older.

What to expect during and after TMS Therapy

During TMS Therapy, patients typically sit in a comfortable chair while the TMS device is placed on the scalp area that needs to be stimulated. Most patients experience a tapping sensation on their scalp during the treatment. There is no need for sedation or anesthesia.
After TMS Therapy, some patients may experience mild headaches, scalp tenderness, or facial muscle twitching. These symptoms usually subside quickly. Most patients don’t experience any significant side effects after treatment. In some cases, patients may experience improved mood, increased energy levels, and reduced anxiety almost immediately.

How to Prepare for TMS Therapy

Before beginning TMS therapy, patients should discuss any supplements, allergies, and medical conditions with their doctor. Patients should also provide a list of any medications they are currently taking. It is also crucial for patients to dress comfortably and avoid wearing any metal objects near the head.

Resources for Aftercare

Patients should contact their doctor if they experience any persistent side effects or if their symptoms worsen. Support groups and counseling can also be beneficial for individuals who are undergoing TMS therapy.

If you’ve been diagnosed with depression, TMS Therapy can be beneficial and could help you overcome some of the challenging symptoms associated with depression. It is a safe, effective, non-invasive treatment for people suffering from depression. It is a promising alternative to medications, which can have side effects, or psychotherapy, which may not be accessible or affordable for some individuals. So if you’re looking for an alternative to antidepressants, TMS therapy may be what you want.

Take the first step towards a healthier and happier life with Pristine Mental Health’s holistic mental health care. Our Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy can help you overcome depression and relieve its symptoms. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you start your recovery journey-

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