Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an FDA approved treatment for depression that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. This has been a tremendous breakthrough for psychiatry that is giving hope to millions of people who have suffered from depression but not found success with medications.

This is accomplished by using an MRI-strength magnet that creates a moving magnetic field, which in turn induces a low level electrical current in the brain. We specifically target the left prefontal cortex for treating depression. When treating anxiety we target the right prefontal cortex.

Many people initially think of ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) also known as shock therapy when they hear about TMS. This is understandable as both therapies work on the electrical side of the brain. They are very different however. ECT uses direct current to the brain, which is very invasive and requires sedation. ECT continues to be the gold standard for difficult to treat depression since it works extremely well.

TMS is much more patient-friendly in that it does not require sedation, patients can drive themselves to and from therapy, and there is little or no discomfort for most patients. This is a great new alternative for patients who have not seen success from antidepressants either due to side effects or lack of results.

Treatment with TMS is easy:

• Therapy sessions are conducted in your doctor’s office
• You can return to normal activities right away
• You are awake during treatment
• There are no negative effects on memory or sleep
• It’s covered by most health insurance plans

We are seeing outstanding results for patients with this therapy. One of the many benefits of TMS therapy comes from the fact that it is not a medication. Since we are working on the electrical area of the brain there are none of the side effects that are common among antidepressants. The only commonly reported side effect is irritation at the treatment site during the first few days of therapy.

We would love to discuss your individual situation and see if you are a good candidate for treatment. We are happy do a free consultation to go into more detail about the therapy and answer any questions you have.