TMS – Ask Valiant Care

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a psychotherapy technique that uses electromagnetic fields to stimulate brain nerves to treat various neurological and mental health disorders. This magnetic stimulation, also called repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), is non-invasive and can target the whole brain or specific parts of the brain that cause changes in mood and behaviour.

What is TMS Used To Treat?

TMS is a safe and effective method of neuromodulation used to treat a wide range of neurological and mental health disorders, including;

Movement disorders

TMS is used to remedy movement disorders like tremors and dystonia. It improves reaction time in patients who have Parkinson’s disease.

Psychiatric diseases

TMS is used to treat chronic psychiatric conditions such as depression that are resistant to medication. TMS therapy for depression has a success rate of 64%.

Physiotherapy

TMS helps in rehabilitating patients who suffer from a stroke. It improves recovery when used alongside physical therapy.

Benefits of TMS

Depression

TMS is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). Usually, TMS is recommended for patients who haven’t found relief from medication and psychotherapy or counselling. TMS may help this condition by stimulating nerve cells and increasing activity in this area.

OCD

TMS may improve symptoms of those suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The FDA has approved TMS for OCD since 2018. People with OCD have increased activity in the prefrontal cortex and striatum. TMS can be used to inhibit activity in this part of the brain, reducing symptoms of OCD.

Anxiety

Patients suffering from depression, and mental disorders usually find their condition coupled with anxiety. TMS could be beneficial for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). With anxiety comes increased nerve cell activity in the prefrontal cortex. TMS may reduce activity in this region.

How is TMS Therapy Done?

Once the coil placement and dose are identified, here’s what you can expect during your TMS session:

You’ll sit in a reclining comfortable chair, wearing earplugs with the magnetic coil placed against your head at the specified location.
When the machine is turned on, you’ll hear clicking sounds and feel a slight tapping on your forehead.
The procedure will last 25-30 minutes based on your requirement, and you’ll remain awake throughout the whole procedure.

Below is a video of TMS therapy conducted on one of our very own patients, Lisa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does TMS have any side effects?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a process that doesn’t get circulated in the blood throughout the whole body. Hence, it has no side effects like sexual dysfunction, nausea, dry mouth, weight gains, sedation, etc. The only common side effects observed were headaches and scalp discomfort during a clinical trial. It is generally mild, only occurring less frequently after a week of treatment.

When will i know if I'm feeling better?

The acute phase of TMS Therapy lasts for 20 to 30 treatments over a 4-6 week period, and response time varies depending on the patient. Some people notice a reduction in depression symptoms after week two, while others don’t see a difference until week four or five.

How do i know if it's working?

Most patients initially experience favorable changes in their behavior or mood, such as sleeping better and feeling more refreshed in the morning, feeling “good” about themselves, being more social, feeling ready to return to work, or making more independent decisions. These small changes point to progress, which should continue as treatment progresses.

Is it necessary for me to continue TMS Therapy once the acute period has ended?

While some individuals may require maintenance therapy to help them manage their depression, the vast majority will not. A patient’s available support system, sleep patterns, nutrition, and exercise can impact how quickly they recover from a depressed episode. ASK Valiant Care works with each patient to help them understand their situation, spot potential triggers, find a support system, and find the correct diet and exercise combination to help them maintain their improved mood.

My final TMS Therapy session is coming up, and I'm nervous about the thought of stopping treatment. So, what should i do?

It’s common for patients to express concern as their therapy comes to an end, significantly when their mood and quality of life have improved. Seek advice and support from your TMS Therapy provider, treating psychiatrist, therapist, and loved ones to help you establish ways to help you navigate your emotions during this transitional phase from treatment’s close to its finish and beyond. It’s also crucial to adopt measures that support a healthy quality of life after treatment, such as regular exercise, a nutritious diet, psychotherapy (if required), and enriching social activities with assistance. Positive and energizing lifestyle strategies will be quite beneficial.

Magstim Rapid Machines

Magstim TMS stimulators provide users with capability and versatility that is required for a wide range of research applications. It’s been cleared by the FDA for major depressive disorder, as effective, non-invasive, treatment with close to 16,000 studies published worldwide that have cited the use of these stimulators.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation