TMS

TMS is a groundbreaking treatment for depression that uses MRI technology to restore the limited neuronal activity of a depressed brain. It is FDA-approved, non-invasive, covered by insurance providers, and virtually free of side effects.

TMS is highly effective for patients with tough-to-treat depression. Over half of patients respond to TMS and more than one-third achieve remission. This is remarkable news for those who have tried multiple treatments without hope of getting better.

TMS is a long-lasting treatment for depression. Over two-thirds of patients retain their response one year after completing a cycle of TMS. And even for those patients who relapse, the great news is that over 80% of patients respond to a second round of TMS.

Over 40% of patients with depression do not achieve remission from antidepressants. Moreover, medications can often produce unwanted side effects, such as fatigue, drowsiness, weight gain, nausea, and sexual problems, to name a few.

TMS is virtually free of side effects because it treats depression in the exact location where it occurs, as opposed to circling the body like medications. Some patients may feel a headache or scalp sensitivity in the treatment location of TMS, which generally goes away within a few days.

After your diagnostic consultation, Dr. Harding will clear you for TMS and we contact your insurance provider to review your coverage. A prior authorization is submitted, which can take up to ten business days. Your first session is then scheduled, and you begin treatment. Treatment is five days a week for six weeks, and each session can last up to 20 minutes.

The magnetic pulses pass through your scalp and into the desired brain location. You’ll hear clicking sounds and can feel like a knocking, tapping, or tingling sensation on your head. You may have some scalp discomfort or headache, but both can be mitigated with an over the counter pain reliever.

During the first session, measurements are made to ensure that the TMS coil will be properly positioned over your head. The TMS provider then measures the patient’s motor threshold, by administering several brief pulses. The motor threshold is the minimum amount of power necessary to make the patient’s thumb twitch. This varies between individuals. The motor threshold helps the physician determine the amount of energy required to stimulate brain cells for each individual patient.

The largest differentiator between medication and TMS, is that TMS is non-systemic – it does not pass through the blood stream. Therefore, side effects are typically kept to surface scalp discomfort, or a slight headache.

In short, no, not at all. TMS and ECT are very different treatments. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) intentionally induces a seizure. Patients must be under general anesthesia. Recovery from an ECT treatment session occurs slowly, and patients are usually closely monitored for minutes to a few hours after treatment. They are not able to resume regular activity immediately following ECT. By contrast, TMS does not intentionally induce a seizure, does not require sedation, anesthesia, nor muscle relaxants. Patients are able to resume daily activities immediately after a TMS session.

There are virtually no side effects compared to other treatments for depression. The most common side effects reported by patients are mild discomfort at the treatment site and the possible development of a slight headache that typically subsides over time. Although there is a miniscule risk of seizure associated with TMS, the patient’s medical history is considered to help rule out this risk.

TMS is covered by most insurances and Medicare. Our office will determine your coverage prior to treatment.

Yes. TMS has been approved since 2008, and ongoing studies on its effectiveness have been published.

We do our best to work with you to make it financially feasible.