At our practice, psychotherapy and antidepressant medications are often the first-line treatments for treating severe cases of depression. Although, these treatments are not always suitable for all patients. We use Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as an alternative treatment in these situations.
What Is TMS Therapy
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is a noninvasive procedure in which electromagnetic pulses are used to excite nerve cells, improving the symptoms of mental health issues. Here are some benefits of TMS therapy:
- The procedure does not require sedation
- The patient can go back to daily activities after the procedure
- The procedure has been proven to be more efficient
Our TMS Therapy
Before our specialists start this treatment for depression, they talk with the patient to find out what method will be suitable for them; we know that each patient is different and that what works for one might not necessarily work for the other. Our experienced team usually performs the TMS procedure while the patient is awake and seated comfortably in a chair.
A piece of equipment with an electromagnetic coil is placed adjacent to the left side of the patient’s prefrontal cortex or the frontal side of the scalp. In this area, scarcity of metabolic and functional activity is located in the depressed patient.
Our specialist holds this device in place for about 40 minutes. A stable electric current is passed through this portion of the patient’s brain, which causes nerve cells or neurons in the brain to send electrical impulses. These impulses set off a chemical reaction that, with time, will help elevate the patient’s mood.
Furthermore, our team usually recommends at least 30 sessions of TMS therapy which are given five times per week for four to six weeks. Since this kind of pulse does not go further than 2 inches into the brain, our experts can accurately target the area of the brain to treat. This precision also decreases the chances of side effects with other procedures.
Contact Us Today
Contact us today at our practice to schedule a simple consultation. Our specialists will be happy to meet with you and determine whether the TMS therapy is right for you.