TMS Therapy: An Overview
If traditional antidepressants aren’t creating the results you want, you may be a candidate for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS. This FDA-approved, non-invasive, in-office procedure is effective for the treatment of depression in many patients.
What is TMS Therapy?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation works by stimulating areas of the brain responsible for mood regulation with a highly concentrated magnetic field. It’s thought that this stimulation may promote the brain’s release of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. It’s believed that depression is the result of an imbalance of these chemicals, and TMS can help to restore the brain’s natural chemistry, providing relief from depression.
Are You a Good Candidate for TMS?
Patients who are not getting the depression relief they need with traditional antidepressants may be good candidates for TMS. Patients who experience severe side effects that make it difficult to take traditional antidepressants may also be good candidates for TMS for depression.
How Does TMS Work?
During TMS, the patient receiving treatment sits in a comfortable chair, much like a dentist’s chair. A small electromagnetic coil is placed near an area of the head and does not touch the body. The treatment provider uses a machine to instruct the coils to release bursts of magnetic energy.
Most clients sit and relax, watching TV or reading on their phones while the treatment is conducted. No anesthesia or other sedatives are required. Some patients report that TMS feels like a light tapping on the treatment area.
60-75% of our patients experience relief from at least some of their depression following TMS therapy, while 40-45% of our patients experience full remission from their depression following TMS therapy.
Does TMS Hurt?
No. TMS is not shock therapy, and it is not invasive. Patients are welcome to drive themselves to and from TMS therapy appointments. Some patients report a feeling similar to a stimulating massage during their TMS therapy treatments, while others feel nothing more than a light tapping sensation.
Insurance and TMS Treatment
Thankfully, many insurance companies pay for TMS treatment. We’re happy to work with you to help you understand more about your insurance coverage.
Reach Out Today to Schedule a TMS Therapy Consultation
If you’re searching for depression treatment in Little Rock Arkansas, we’re glad you found us, and we’re looking forward to getting to know you. The first step toward TMS therapy is working with one of our doctors for a consultation to decide whether TMS therapy could be a good fit for your mental health. Our consultations are free, and we’re looking forward to exploring whether our TMS therapy option is the right choice for treating your depression. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation to learn more about TMS therapy.
