TMS Therapy

Is TMS Therapy Right for You? The Mechanism & Reaction of TMS on Patients

The latest medical treatment that transfers magnetic pulses to the brain has been discovered as very effective for some individuals battling with major depression. As per the research, the treatment might also be very effective in reducing migraine headaches and many cranial diseases. This evolutionary treatment is called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment. This therapy utilizes magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. The treatment is a non-invasive as well as an outpatient treatment which doesn't require anesthesia, surgery or any recovery time in a hospital.

Earlier studies have shown that there is a reduction of 50 percent in depression symptoms by patients, using TMS therapy. This therapy is affirmed by FDA for the use on adult patients who have attempted for antidepressant medication but failed to see any results. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment is currently offered by a few selected suppliers throughout the country and is not yet secured by health insurance plans.

How TMS Therapy Works?

TMS treatment is managed by setting a treatment coil lightly against the scalp of a patient as they sit in a leaning back seat. The coil then transmits magnetic fields precisely to the portion of the brain involved with mood regulation. Small amount of electrical currents are delivered by the magnetic fields. The currents continue to modify cell action in the brain that is thought to be effective in decreasing depression symptoms. The Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment requires around 40 minutes per session, with patients completely conscious during the procedure. Patients specifically have five weekly treatments over a six week period.

TMS on Patients:

The most widely recognized side effect associated with treatment during clinical trials was scalp pain or uneasiness, for the most part mild to moderate. Studies have discovered that most patients respond best to treatments of 40 consecutive magnetic pulses to the brain over a four second period twice per minute. However, duration, frequency and the number of pulses received per session rely upon the doctor's evaluation of how the patient responds or reacts to the treatment.