TMS therapy, more formally known as transcranial magnetic stimulation, is a treatment for depression. It is also sometimes called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation or rTMS, for the patient needs consistent treatment. TMS therapy is a non-invasive procedure that stimulates nerve cells in the brain with magnetic fields. It is generally used if the patient hasn’t responded to other treatments or cannot take oral medication.

What Does the Procedure Involve?
Since TMS therapy isn’t invasive, the patient won’t need anesthesia. This is an outpatient treatment performed in the comfort of our office in Newburgh. The patient will generally need to be treated multiple times a week for a number of weeks.
During the session, the patient is given headphones to wear. An electromagnetic coil is then placed against the patient’s head and repeatedly turned on and off to produce the pulses that will stimulate the neurons. The dose of energy is increased until the motor threshold is reached. This tells the doctor the patient is receiving enough energy to stimulate their brain cells.

Why Does It Work?
Researchers admittedly do not know why TMS is helpful. They do know that the magnetic pulses generate electricity. The pulses are typically aimed at the left prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain that shows abnormal activity in people with depression. Depending on how frequently the pulses are delivered, they can increase or decrease the activity in the brain. Those changes improve the patient’s mood and reduce their symptoms.

Who is a Good Candidate for TMS Therapy?
TMS therapy works best for patients who are in good overall health. Since the device used produces a strong magnetic field, TMS therapy is not recommended for people with metal, magnetic or electrical devices implanted on or in their body. In addition, patients who are taking any kinds of medications or supplements need to tell our doctor before undergoing this treatment.

To determine if you are a good candidate for TMS therapy, make an appointment at Cady Wellness Institute so that our team of professionals can assess your specific case. During this meeting at our office in Newburgh, IN, you can get all the facts about this treatment. Life is too short to be living with depression day in and day out. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more!