TMS for depression affects brain activity with a magnetic field. It treats depression, OCD, and other brain disorders. It is noninvasive and can help when other treatments fail. The adverse effects are typically mild and transient.
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) employs a magnetic coil to modify cerebral electrical activity non-invasively. This 1985 treatment is widely used for mental health and brain conditions.
Why Would Magnets Affect My Brain?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation uses electricity and magnetism. These two principles can cooperate, and TMS relies on them. A magnet’s magnetic field is its influence in magnetically active space. The magnet at its center effects that space, but you can’t see it. When a magnet is near a conductive item, the magnetic field generates electricity.
Why does it matter? Your brain’s electrical activity matters. Neurons in your brain and nerves use tiny amounts of electricity to send and receive information. Magnets affect brain electrical activity. TMS targets specific brain regions, including those related to emotions, internal decision-making, pleasure, etc. A magnet that turns on and off is needed for TMS. That’s possible by using electricity to turn the magnet on and off. It also needs a stronger magnet than your fridge or home magnet.
What are TMS Benefits?
TMS benefits make it a useful treatment. Following are the benefits:
- It is not invasive. This procedure doesn’t require surgery, and you can resume your day afterward. It requires no anesthesia.
- It’s safe. The predominant severe side effect of TMS is seizures, which occur infrequently. TMS has a 0.01% seizure risk per session. Some side effects are mild and last a few minutes.
- It works, TMS success rates vary by condition, but research shows it works.
- Lives can be saved. TMS treats major depressive disorder, which can cause suicide. When depression symptoms improve or go into remission, TMS can save lives.
- It complements other treatments. TMS is often used with medications, mental health therapy, and more.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Risks, Side Effects, and Complications?
Few side effects, risks, and complications occur with TMS. Seizures are TMS’s most serious side effect. These are also uncommon. Less than 1 in 10,000 TMS sessions cause seizures. Possible complications, most of which are mild and last only a few minutes after a session, include:
- Headaches.
- Usually scalp or neck pain.
- Lightheadedness.
- Facial or scalp tingling.
- Temporary tinnitus.
- Hyperacusis—heightened sound sensitivity.
How Many TMS Sessions are Needed to Feel Better?
After 10 to 15 treatment sessions, or 2 to 3 weeks, most people feel better. Some see improvement in 1–2 weeks. A typical treatment involves daily TMS sessions for 4–6 weeks.
TMS Effects: How Long?
Patients usually feel better for 6–9 months after treatment. Some people feel better for years, while others return for more treatments after a few months. TMS’s therapeutic effects last longer when people take the right medications and make mood-boosting lifestyle changes. In some cases, “maintenance” TMS may help prevent relapse.
Are these Treatments Suitable for Everyone?
TMS depression treatments are popular for the following reasons:
- Antidepressants and psychotherapy failed the person.
- Medication side effects prevent proper treatment.
- Instead of antidepressants, the person wants TMS for depression.
- Like any health treatment, these aren’t for everyone. To determine if neurostimulation is right for them, people need psychiatric and medical evaluations. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) must be prescribed solely following a comprehensive consultation with a psychiatrist.
What Happens During TMS Procedure?
Before the procedure, you may only need to remove metal-framed glasses or jewelry. Remove all metallic jewelry to avoid accidentally exposing yourself to magnetic metals.
TMS coils are housed in nonmagnetic cases. Some devices use helmet magnets. Other magnets are attached to extension arms like those used by doctors to position overhead lights. Sit in a special chair under or beside the magnet, per your provider.
After sitting comfortably, your provider will give you earplugs. Because the magnet’s sound is loud enough to damage your hearing (MRI scans also require hearing protection).
Your provider places the magnet on your head after you put on hearing protection. That requires either wearing the magnet-containing helmet (with a chin strap to keep it in place) or positioning the extension arm with the magnet at its end against your face. The placement depends on your condition.
Your doctor of tms clinic in Dallas will give you scalp single-pulse stimulations before treatment. This helps choose the right treatment location. After placing the magnet, they’ll begin treatment. The magnet will tap you early on as your provider slowly increases the magnetic pulse strength. Your hands, especially your thumbs, will twitch as your pulse strength increases. Seeing this is normal and helps your doctor of tms therapy in Dallas determine when the pulse is strong enough.
Your provider will have the magnet deliver pulses at a specific timing or pattern after setting the pulse strength. The magnet turns on and off during treatments, making clicking sounds. This is typical too. Pauses may occur between pulses. The magnet heats up from the electricity that powers it, so those pauses let it cool.
Depending on the type of TMS and magnetic field pulse pattern, treatment sessions can last a few minutes to 30 minutes. Your provider can best estimate session length.
Conclusion
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) alters brain activity with a magnetic field. This treatment can help with depression, OCD, smoking cessation, and migraines. TMS, though not a first-line treatment, gives hope to those who haven’t responded to other treatments. TMS for depression can save lives in severe or treatment-resistant depression. Experts are also investigating whether it can treat other brain-related conditions, expanding its uses.
