TMS is a non-invasive procedure that stimulates nerve cells with electromagnetic pulses. It’s frequently referred to as repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation or rTMS.
Since it involves repeating electrical impulses. Frequently, the names are used interchangeably. It could lessen the signs of mental or neurological conditions.
This may be helpful for the following conditions:
Depression
- OCD
- Nervousness
- PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder
- Motor impairment brought on by multiple sclerosis, stroke, or Parkinson’s disease
The FDA has authorized this for the treatment of depression. People who don’t react to psychotherapy and antidepressant medication have found success with it.
Additionally, there is some proof suggesting this may benefit other illnesses. This includes Parkinson’s disease and anxiety.
How it works?
The session is conducted as an outpatient appointment by a physician or technician. This implies that a medical clinic may be the setting. You won’t have to spend the night if it is performed in a hospital.
Jewelry and other objects that are susceptible to magnets must be taken off before the operation.
What to anticipate during the procedure is as follows:
- To reduce the vibrations of magnetic impulses, your technician will ask you to wear earplugs. Professionals like the TMS Therapy Encinitas will place you on a cozy chair. You will be conscious during the procedure and won’t require general anesthesia.
- The practitioner will take measurements of your head. To figure out where to put the magnetic coil if this is your first session.
To customize the machine’s parameters. They’ll additionally take other measurements.
- The coil will be positioned over the frontal lobe of your brain by the technician. They will then begin the treatment.
- A clicking sound will be produced when the magnetic impulses are released. Additionally, there will be a tapping or striking sound underneath the magnetic coil.
- 30 minutes to 1 hour may be allotted for the cure. After the treatment, you might drive yourself home and go back to your regular routines.
For around four to six weeks, you must continue performing the process five days a week. Your reaction and particular condition will determine how long your session will last.
Does it work?
The majority of research on TMS to date has focused on treating depression. It has a promising success rate for treating depression.
Depression response rates range from 30% to 64%. The favorable outcome rate for additional medical disorders requires more investigation. Go to https://www.kff.org/statedata/mental-health-and-substance-use-state-fact-sheets/california/ for further reading.
When is it utilized?
Before TMS, a doctor would probably prescribe antidepressants and psychotherapy if you have depression. But you could be a good fit for this, provided you…:
- Have used at least one antidepressant without seeing any improvement. People have had adverse consequences when using antidepressants.
- Are you a kid or an adolescent? It could be a great option if you’re young. This is because antidepressant side effects are more likely to occur in younger individuals.
Qualifications for TMS Treatment
It’s a cure that isn’t appropriate for everyone. It’s intended especially for those with depression that is resistant to therapy.
This implies that this may be a viable therapeutic option for you. If you have already attempted a minimum of two antidepressants without success.
To find out if this is right for you. A comprehensive examination by a medical expert is required, including a full mental assessment.
For whom should such treatments be avoided?
Although it’s thought to be safe, not everyone should use it. This isn’t for you if there’s metal in your skull, like:
- Deep brain stimulators
- Electrodes
- Stents for the brain or neck
- Coils or clamps for aneurysms
- Pieces of bullets or shrapnel
- Metallic ink tattoos on the face
- Metal plates
- Cochlear implants
- Long-lasting piercings
Serious damage may result from these implants heating up or moving due to the magnetic forces. If you have dental fillings or braces. You can still have the therapy.
Avoiding this could also be necessary if you:
- Possess a history of seizures or epilepsy – read this to learn more.
- You use stimulants.
- Suffer from a disease that makes seizures more likely.
Evaluation and Consultation
Consulting together with a psychiatrist who additionally focuses on mood disorders is usually the first step in the process. Your mental health record is examined during this session.
An examination of the body may be performed to make sure it’s appropriate for you. To enhance the efficiency of the therapy. And customize it to your unique needs.
What to Anticipate
You will receive instructions on what to anticipate prior to, during, and following treatment if you are eligible. For seven weeks, sessions are aheld five days a week, for a total of 36 treatments.
In each session, a nurse will place the electromagnet on the surface of your head while you sit comfortably in a chair. You’ll experience a tapping feeling on your scalp and hear pulses clicking throughout rehabilitation.
The acute soreness that some patients feel generally goes away within a week. To get the best outcomes. It’s critical to stick with the whole course of therapy.
A psychiatrist will evaluate you once a week to track your development. And make any required modifications.
