TMS Therapy
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy.
TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, primarily to treat resistant depression, but also OCD, migraines, and for smoking cessation. This non-invasive, outpatient procedure involves placing a magnetic coil on the scalp to deliver painless stimulation while the patient is awake.
The treatment is FDA-approved and offers a safe, drug-free alternative for individuals who have not responded well to medication. While full treatment typically involves several weeks of daily sessions.
How TMS Works
- Mechanism: A magnetic coil placed on the scalp generates focused magnetic fields that induce small electrical currents in targeted brain regions, such as the prefrontal cortex, to regulate mood.
- Process: Patients remain awake and comfortable while the coil delivers stimulation pulses, which are often described as a painless tapping or tingling sensation on the scalp. Sessions typically last between 3 and 45 minutes.
- Treatment Course: A full course of treatment usually involves 4–6 weeks of daily sessions (five days a week), often followed by a tapering phase.
TMS is a safe, non-invasive, and FDA-approved therapy. It offers a drug-free approach that modulates brain activity and has been shown to improve symptoms for many patients.