Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a highly effective, FDA-approved treatment for depression and anxiety. TMS uses magnetic fields to activate regions in the brain that have decreased activity in patients with depression. Treatments last approximately 20 minutes, and following each session patients may resume regular daily activity. A course of treatment can be prescribed for up to seven weeks, based upon how quickly patients’ symptoms resolve and ongoing discussion with their provider.
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Still wondering if TMS is right for you?
Here are some answers.
TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is a unique, non-invasive, successful treatment modality for patients with depression, with strong potential and growing evidence of successful treatment of anxiety. TMS is becoming increasingly popular because of its extraordinary benefits, patient satisfaction, and safety, but is difficult to access outside of private practices.
Optimal candidates for TMS including individuals who have struggled with depression, anxiety, or OCD; people who have tried medication without success or prefer not to / cannot take medication; and people who are between the ages of 15 and 75.
In ongoing treatment sessions, attended by the patient and a certified TMS technician, a patient will relax and listen to music or watch videos provided by our sound machines, speaker, and entertainment system.
In a treatment session, patients experience a slight tapping over the left or right temple, located just in front of the ear. Some may experience a brief period of mild discomfort at the treatment site, or rarely a slight headache of short period after their first two to three treatments, but NeuroStar’s patented Contact Sensing system will provide real time feedback for the clinician and allow for adjustments to reduce or eliminate any discomfort.
Many patients experience what they describe as a wonderful emotional release after only one treatment.
Prior to treatment, a certified TMS physician or APRN will first meet with a patient to obtain medical and psychiatric history and provide details on how TMS works, what to expect, and whether this therapy is an appropriate next step in treatment. Patients may be approved for up to 36 treatments, which is proven to produce the most beneficial outcomes. Patients are then scheduled for an Initial Mapping appointment, where they will relax comfortably in Wheeler’s newly designed TMS suite. A certified TMS prescriber will utilize Neurostar machine’s TrakStar technology to determine precise coordinates and proceed with the patient’s first treatment.
Most patients who receive a full course of TMS treatment show no evidence of relapse at one year, and patients who may experience a return of some symptoms may qualify for another course of treatment, which would involve discussion with their provider.
The success rate and safety profile of TMS is unparalleled and presents almost no risk to our patients, the only contraindications or significant cautions being a history of seizure or metal implants within a patient’s head (not including any metal associated with dental fillings or removable jewelry). TMS offers an opportunity for symptom relief without the use and potentially associated side effects of medication, making it a perfect choice for patients who have experienced treatment resistance despite utilization of medication, prefer not to take medication, are pregnant, or take medications for medical reasons, thereby relieving any concern for medication interactions.
Wheeler is the only Federally Qualified Health Center in Connecticut to offer TMS.