Transcranial magnetic stimulation is often referred to as TMS therapy. The procedure is non-invasive. The cells in the brain are stimulated using magnetic fields to improve depression symptoms. This therapy is often used when other treatments for depression were ineffective. During the session, a magnetic pulse is delivered to the patient using an electromagnet. This stimulates the nerve cells involved with depression and mood control in the brain. This is believed to activate the areas of the brain with decreased activity due to depression.
Although the biology of TMS therapy is not fully understood, the stimulation has an impact on the brain. The improves mood and eases the symptoms of depression. There are different techniques and procedures used to perform this treatment. Even though depression is treatable, standard treatments such as psychotherapy and medications are not effective for everyone. Repetitive TMS therapy is used for depression as a non-invasive type of brain stimulation. The therapy is considered to be both well-tolerated and safe.
Prior to receiving TMS therapy, testing such as lab tests or a physical examination are generally necessary. A psychiatric evaluation will be scheduled to discuss the individual’s depression. These tests and evaluations help ensure the therapy is a good option. The treatment takes place in a clinic or a physician’s office. To be effective, a series of treatment sessions are necessary.
The TMS Therapy Treatment
Prior to the first treatment, the physician determines which areas of the head are the best options for placing the magnets and the correct dosage of magnetic energy for the individual. The individual is led to a treatment room and seated in a special chair. Once the electromagnetic device has been secured around the person’s head, it is turned on and off repeatedly to ensure stimulating pulses. The amount of magnetic energy required is determined by the professional; the amount of stimulation can be changed during the treatment. If the TMS therapy is successful, the symptoms of depression will either completely disappear or show improvement. A few weeks of sessions may be necessary for relief from the symptoms of depression.
Get In Touch with Us for More Information
If you are interested in TMS therapy to treat your depression, please reach out and make an appointment with Montana Psychiatry & Brain Health Center. At our convenient location in Billings, MT, our caring and devoted team of professionals will be pleased to explain this therapy in full and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation!
TMS
by Deb (age 64)
Category: generalThe hoops I jumped through in order to be evaluated were straightforward and efficient. I met with PA Kaitlin for about an hour to discuss my history and previous medications. Then Dr. Amato joined us to further discuss my history, the TMS treatment, and answer any questions. Myrna gathered all of the information and submitted it to my health insurance company to request coverage for TMS. Fortunately, insurance approved the treatment and I was able to begin the next week. I’m sure most people have anxiety about starting a treatment like TMS. No matter how many times it’s described to you, there are many unknowns. How will I feel during treatment? Is it painful? What if this doesn’t work? What if it works for a while but then stops? In all honesty, I was very uncomfortable during the first couple of weeks of treatment. The alternating two seconds of tapping sensation caused some pain during treatment, and at the end of the first week I thought about quitting. But I had sworn to myself that TMS was a last resort and I HAD TO complete the treatment and give it a chance to work. My technician, Heather, told me that some people don’t feel the tapping at all, they only hear it. Guess I wasn’t one of those people! But as the days went by, it became easier to tolerate the treatments. During this time I also saw Lauren weekly for CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). This is highly recommended for people undergoing TMS treatment, and it was a positive complement to my total of 100 minutes each week “under the helmet”. The weekend between weeks three and four, I started to notice subtle improvements in my mood, increased belief in my self-worth, and enthusiasm for simple things like going for walks, meeting friends for lunch, and taking on volunteer work in the community. I hesitated at first to believe that TMS was helping me. I was afraid that I was convincing myself it was working because I so desperately wanted it to! But now that I am past the treatment I can say with cert
TMS
by Barbie (age 68)
Category: generalI feel so blessed to participate in the TMS protocol at MT Psychiatry. After struggling so many years with depression and not getting significant results from medication, particularly of late, I noticed positive results in the first two weeks of treatment. TMS can literally give you back the beauty & joy in living as well as the courage to make positive life changes and improvements in your daily living situation. I heartily encourage anyone to put yourself into the hands of the amazing TMS team who so gently and graciously make this journey with you out of the black hole that is depression. It is my honor and privilege to give the TMS treatment the highest recommendation.
TMS
by Shayne (age 66)
Category: generalI am grateful for the support and caring I have received from Dr. Amato (and Heidi, Heather and Myrna) in my quest for mental health and a fuller more productive life. While the TMS results have been subtle, I feel more positive about my future and I would recommend this team absolutely. Thank you!
TMS
by Carrie (age 65)
Category: generalNot realizing how fuzzy my head was, I thought I was only going through severe anxiety and depression. Through the insight of Pat, I was able to go through TMS treatments which brought down the anxiety and depression immensely and has cleared up the fuzzy, far off substantially. All the personnel treated me with kindness and I’m sure their attitudes helped in my recovery.
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by Bridget (age 47)
Category: generalThe first outcome of TMS I noted happened early in my treatment, at about the beginning of week two. I felt as though my “brain fog” had been chipped away. I wish I could report that I feel my mental health issues are in “remission”, but I can’t do so yet. My hope is that I will see improvement in the weeks to come, now that my TMS cycle has ended. I can say that my brain feels – in some way – different; I can’t explain exactly how. I continue to struggle at this point in time but sill have hope for more improvement.
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