Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and How It Works

Several individuals deal with mental health issues and need professional help to manage their condition. Many treatments are available, including a combination of therapies, medications, and other care options, with varying levels of effectiveness and success. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, non-drug intervention-based therapy that has received FDA approval and employs magnetic pulses to undo brain alterations brought on by depression. This ground-breaking technique is our primary focus at Pristine Mental Health. Since our beginnings, we have been committed to providing individualized, high-quality mental health care with care, compassion, and professionalism. You may be curious about TMS and what it entails. As such, let’s learn more about this treatment and why we wholeheartedly believe in it here at Pristine Mental Health.

How Does TMS Work?

TMS therapy activates the brain’s underactive region in depressed individuals. Experts turn highly concentrated magnetic fields on and off using the TMS therapy equipment. The magnetic fields found directly beneath the treatment coil do not affect the entire brain. The neurons essentially “learn” to be more active through TMS. This leads to improved neural functioning and a reduction in the symptoms of depression. The TMS system delivers magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the part of the brain that controls mood. The rapid change in the magnetic field induces a current. If the current generated is of sufficient amplitude and duration, it will excite neurons. TMS treatment could work for adult patients with a major depressive disorder. The treatment is only accessible with a prescription and can work for people who have not gained significant treatment benefits from antidepressant medication. Your doctor will consider your medication dosing history and depression ratings, among other factors, to determine whether or not you are a candidate for TMS Therapy. This is something we can assist with at Pristine Mental Health.

Which Type of TMS Therapy System Does Pristine Mental Health Use?

Pristine Mental Health offers both the traditional repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), which lasts 19 minutes, and the more recent theta-burst stimulation, which only takes 3 minutes and 26 seconds. Both TMS types result in positive outcomes in terms of safety and effectiveness. According to this study, TMS has had a higher degree of therapeutic benefit for depression historically resistant to medication treatment. TMS can be a top-priority treatment for MDD because of its potent efficacy and low risk of side effects and medical complications. The response (58-83 percent) and remission (28-62 percent) rates in Intent-To-Treat (ITT) and completer populations were notably high across both self-report and clinician-administered cases. The clinical outcomes of female patients and those who received more pulses per session were also superior.

Does TMS Cure Depression and Other Mental Illnesses?

TMS is sometimes sufficient to help manage depression on its own. TMS can be applied independently or in collaboration with other forms of treatment and medication. As opposed to conventional pharmacological antidepressant therapy, TMS enables the treatment of depression without adverse side effects such as decreased libido, weight gain, and emotional blunting.

Why Does the Team at Pristine Mental Health Believe in TMS Success?

As mentioned previously, Pristine Mental Health is committed to creating treatment plans that work best for our clients individually. Our Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. David Penner, started using TMS in 2019 after becoming dissatisfied with various treatment methods. He saw impressive outcomes when trying it in comparison to conventional drugs. Since 1985, experts have been using electromagnetic induction for transcranial stimulation. Dr. Tony Barker and colleagues developed the first type of TMS in Sheffield, UK. In 1985, Barker demonstrated the effects of magnetic stimulation on the human motor cortex. The FDA approved this procedure on October 8th, 2008. While professionals use many different types of devices for repetitive electromagnetic stimulation, Pristine Mental Health uses the MagVenture 360 patient management system, which allows us to provide treatments in the correct settings without the technician manually adjusting the TMS device itself. Once treatment is set up, our experts match your name with your photograph at every visit, thus eliminating the errors that can occur without a redundant system.

You’re Eligible for TMS. Now What?

We receive plenty of questions when recommending this treatment path and will keep you informed every step of the way. However, here’s a high-level overview of a typical TMS appointment: Regular TMS lasts 19–37 minutes, or Express TMS® lasts 3 minutes. Over 4-6 weeks, one treatment is administered daily, five times per week. You’ll sit comfortably in a chair when you come into the office. You can experience tapping on your head and a clicking sound as the magnetic pulses are given. Many patients often watch television or read while getting therapy. Unlike antidepressants, weight gain and sexual dysfunction will not occur with TMS. However, TMS may result in headaches or nausea in some people. Still, you should be able to carry on with your normal activities immediately. Remember, though, that TMS therapy is a medical procedure, and it’s vital to report any adverse effects felt while undergoing the therapy or afterward to your doctor.

Talk to Our Team About TMS

Our entire team at Pristine Mental Health is dedicated to providing the best mental health care possible. We’ll answer any questions, ranging from inquiries about the procedure, insurance, payment options, and more. Your first step should be to book a consultation call. Feel free also to check out our FAQ section, as well as our resource list. Let’s work together to keep improving your overall well-being and mental health!