Millions of Americans suffer from depression. There are many medications and treatments that are available for fighting depression. Therapists can offer counseling, and even techniques like acupuncture have been shown to relieve symptoms of depression in some people. TMS therapy, however, is a technique for fighting depression most people don’t know.
How TMS Therapy Works
The use of magnetic therapy for treating bodily ailments is not a new thing at all. Magnets are used to alleviate pain, increase flexibility and relieve inflammation of the joints. One magnetic therapy in particular has actually been scientifically tested and proven to work. That is Trans-cranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy.
During TMS therapy, the patient lies on a reclining chair in a comfortable position. An electromagnetic coil is placed on the patient’s cranium, close to the forehead. This is a comfortable procedure in which magnetic pulses are delivered from the coil into the brain. It stimulates parts of the nerves in the areas of the brain that are associated with depression and emotions. This treatment is used the most on patients that have not responded well to antidepressant medications.
These magnetic pulses are delivered over and over again in these regions of the brain. This is why the therapy is sometimes also called Repetitive Trans-cranial Magnetic Stimulation, or rTMS.
Safety of TMS
TMS therapy is a non-invasive procedure that has very little in the way of side effects. It causes no discomfort, so there is no need for anesthesia. There are no risks of seizures or going into convulsions.
Any side effects go away in a matter a few hours and will be experienced to lesser degrees with each session. Some patients will no longer experience these symptoms at all after a few sessions.
Treatment Sessions
TMS therapy is an outpatient treatment that typically takes little time to complete. Treatment sessions may be scheduled multiple times a week depending on your needs. It typically takes multiple treatments to begin to notice the effects of the treatment. Regardless of how many treatments you may need, we will work directly with you to ensure noticeable and lasting results.
Depression ruins lives. Sometimes antidepressants just do not work, especially when the depression is chronic. If you are interested in learning more about TMS therapy, a consultation with one of our specialists at Montana Psychiatry & Brain Health Center in Billings can be the first step towards conquering your depression. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment and find out if this treatment is right for you.
