TMS

What is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)?

TMS is a noninvasive, outpatient procedure that uses targeted magnetic pulses to influence your brain’s electrical activity. 

During treatment, you sit beneath a magnetic coil. The coil uses magnetic energy to activate the regions of your brain responsible for mood and cognition. Increasing the electrical activity in these areas may relieve depressive symptoms, elevate your mood, and improve your outlook. Because the treatment is drug-free, there are few risks or side effects.

What mental health conditions can benefit from TMS?

Paramount Health Directions uses TMS to treat various mental health conditions, including:

• Treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Substance use disorder (SUD)
• Schizophrenia
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Borderline personality disorder

You may also benefit from TMS if you have chronic pain or migraines.

Some people also undergo TMS to manage eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. 

Can anyone undergo TMS therapy?

TMS therapy is safe and typically well-tolerated, but it isn’t for everyone. Tell your Paramount Health Directions provider if you have a metal or electronic implant, like a cochlear implant or a metal plate in your skull. Since TMS uses a large magnet, it could pull these implants out of position and cause severe pain. 

Similarly, tell your provider if you have a history of epilepsy or seizures. Though rare, TMS can trigger seizures, so Paramount Health Directions might recommend an alternative treatment. 

What does TMS treatment involve?

TMS treatment is an outpatient procedure that takes 40-60 minutes on average.

When you arrive at Paramount Health Directions, you remove any metallic jewelry and glasses and sit in a comfortable chair. The chair is connected to a magnetic coil attached to an extension arm.

Once you’re comfortable, your provider gives you earplugs and positions the magnet on your head. Then, they turn the TMS machine on. 

After treatment begins, it’s normal to feel a tingling sensation in your hands and scalp. This can be uncomfortable, but you should adjust quickly. If you experience pain at any time, tell your provider. They can adjust the settings as needed to ensure your comfort.

How many TMS treatments will I need?

The number of TMS treatments you need depends on the condition being managed and the severity of your symptoms. Paramount Health Directions typically recommends five treatments per week for the first four to six weeks. At the end of this initial period, your provider reevaluates your symptoms and makes adjustments as needed. 

TMS is a cumulative treatment, so the results add up over time. Stopping too early can affect your progress and cause your symptoms to recur.

Call Paramount Health Directions to schedule a TMS consultation, or book your appointment online today.

*Individual results may vary.