TMS is an effective, non-invasive, non-drug treatment option for Major Depression. It does not require sedation or anesthesia. It is FDA approved and covered by most insurances companies.
TMS works by placing a magnetic coil on the scalp which painlessly delivers repeated, magnetic pulses to a targeted area of the brain which helps control mood and depression. The magnetic pulses deliver energy to stimulate neurons in the brain to effectively activate areas of inactivity in the brain. The most common side effect reported is a minor headache possible during the first few treatments that is easily treated with over the counter medications such as Ibuprofen or Acetominophen.
During the first treatment, called “mapping” several measurements are made to ensure that the TMS coil will be properly positioned over the patient’s head. A series of short, non-painful pulses are administered to elicit a motor response in the patients thumb to determine the exact location for treatment. The machine will make a series of clicking noises as the pulses are being delivered.