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Magstim® TMS Therapy
Living with depression is hard, but Major Depressive
Disorder (MDD) can be especially painful when one
treatment after another doesn’t help. You lose hope.
Will you ever feel better?
Finding the right treatment can take time but TMS
may be the treatment that will make you feel like
yourself again.
Magstim® TMS Therapy involves a series of repetitive, brief, and highly focused magnetic pulses, designed to stimulate brain cells. TMS is typically prescribed to adult patients when antidepressants have failed, or the side effects are intolerable. In comparison to antidepressants, Magstim® TMS Therapy is a non-invasive outpatient procedure with few known side effects1. Magstim® TMS Therapy systems offer versatility with a range of treatment protocols including a 3-minute treatment option.
Magstim® TMS Therapy involves a series of repetitive, brief, and highly focused magnetic pulses, designed to stimulate brain cells. TMS is typically prescribed to adult patients when antidepressants have failed, or the side effects are intolerable. In comparison to antidepressants, Magstim® TMS Therapy is a non-invasive outpatient procedure with few known side effects1. Magstim® TMS Therapy systems offer versatility with a range of treatment protocols including a 3-minute treatment option.
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An overview of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
FAQs
WHAT IS TMS?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a series of repetitive, brief and highly focused magnetic pulses, designed to stimulate brain cells.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
In depressed patients, the electrical activity in certain areas of the brain is shown to be reduced.TMS targeted in these areas, reawakens these cells, increasing brain activity to appropriate levels.TMS is non-invasive and has very few side effects.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TMS AND ANTIDEPRESSANTS?
TMS is typically prescribed when antidepressants have failed, or the side effects are intolerable.Antidepressants are systemic, which means that the medication is absorbed into the blood stream. This can cause numerous side effects. TMS is a noninvasive, outpatient procedure with no systemic side effects.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a series of repetitive, brief and highly focused magnetic pulses, designed to stimulate brain cells.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
In depressed patients, the electrical activity in certain areas of the brain is shown to be reduced.TMS targeted in these areas, reawakens these cells, increasing brain activity to appropriate levels.TMS is non-invasive and has very few side effects.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TMS AND ANTIDEPRESSANTS?
TMS is typically prescribed when antidepressants have failed, or the side effects are intolerable.Antidepressants are systemic, which means that the medication is absorbed into the blood stream. This can cause numerous side effects. TMS is a noninvasive, outpatient procedure with no systemic side effects.
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS?
TMS is a safe and well tolerated treatment that is not associated with any of the systemic side effects typically experienced with antidepressants. Clinical studies show that the most common side effects are mild to moderate scalp discomfort and mild headaches, both of which are short term.
WILL TMS BE COVERED BY MY INSURANCE?
TMS is covered by most insurance providers including Medicare (and also by Medicaid in some states). Prior authorization is typically required for insurance coverage - your physician will manage this process.
IS TMS AN OPTION FOR ME?
TMS therapy is approved for adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), who have failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication in the current episode.This means that if you have been diagnosed with MDD and medications are not working, or the side effects are intolerable, you should ask your doctor about TMS. Your current physician can refer you to a TMS provider to assess whether TMS is right for you.
WHAT MIGHT I EXPECT DURING MY TMS TREATMENT?
TMS is performed in a doctor's office or clinic. Treatment sessions last from 3 - 37.5 minutes and are typically performed 5 days per week, over a six-week period.You will be seated in a comfortable chair, some measurements may be taken and you may be provided with earplugs. Your doctor will position the magnetic coil on your head and treatment will begin. You may feel a moderate tapping on your head under the treatment coil and you will remain awake and alert throughout treatment.Following your session, you will be able to drive home and you can resume normal activities for the rest of the day.
WHAT DOES TMS FEEL LIKE?
The magnetic coll which dellvers TMS is positioned on the head. You will hear a clicking sound and feel a tapping sensation on your head when the magnetic pulses are delivered.