What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy (TMS) Therapy?

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy (TMS) Therapy?

TMS therapy is a non-invasive solution to treat depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

In a hospital, medical clinic or rehab facility, physicians or technicians perform this procedure without general anesthesia. Patients typically remain awake and capable of driving themselves home after the session is completed.

TMS utilizes a magnet to alter patterns of neuronal activity in your brain. This reset can reset how your brain operates, potentially improving symptoms related to stress or depression.

Treatments for depression, OCD and anxiety work by stimulating specific parts of your brain that cause these symptoms – unlike traditional medications which work throughout various parts of your brain.

During the treatment, you’ll sit in a chair with a magnetic coil placed over your head. A machine will turn the magnet on and off, sending pulses of electricity directly to certain parts of your brain.

Depending on which type of TMS treatment you receive, sessions may last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. As the magnet turns on and off, clicking sounds are common as it heats up from electricity running through it; these clicks are normal as this gives the magnet time to cool off between pulses.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation has been found to be an effective treatment for depression in both elderly and pregnant populations, where it’s preferred over electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Furthermore, people with cognitive impairment or other brain problems that might prevent them from responding to medication could safely use it too.