Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is an office-based procedure used to help people who suffer from mental health, neurological, or other brain disorder who have not responded to traditional medications. TMS therapy is effective, medication-free, safe, and non-invasive.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TMS
1 What is TMS?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an office-based procedure used to help people who suffer from certain mental health and neurological disorders who have not responded to traditional medications. Using strong magnetic fields, we are able to directly modify pathways in the brain bringing relief to those who have not found it elsewhere.
2 What “off-label” conditions can be treated with TMS?
In Europe, deep TMS is CE approved for PTSD, Alzheimer’s Disease, and chronic pian. TMS can also be used to treat other conditions such as substance use, chronic pain, neuropathic pain, tinnitus, dementia, traumatic brain injury (TBI). It also can be used to help regain cortical function post stroke. Lastly, TMS can be used to enhance overall brain performance including improved energy, focus, attention, dexterity, and reaction time offering benefits in sports, academics, and even professional life.
3 What does “off-label” mean?
“Off-label” refers to the use of a medication or treatment in a manner that is not specifically approved by the FDA. This is a very common practice throughout medicine and is appropriate under the proper situation. The lack of FDA approval does not mean the treatment is ineffective, rather it may mean that the large-scale studies have not been completed, or perhaps FDA approval simply may have not been requested yet.
4 Is “off-label” covered by insurance?
No, insurance companies only pay for treatments that are FDA-approved. However, we feel that TMS should be available to as many people as possible and will work with you to try to come up with a payment plan that fits your financial situation.
5 Is TMS safe?
TMS is incredibly safe. The most common side effects are headache, scalp discomfort, or soreness of the jaw. These are typically only present during the procedure itself and resolve shortly after each treatment. If necessary, these symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen or Tylenol. Because we are only stimulating the cortex, you will not experience any of the systemic side effects common with oral antidepressants.
6 What can I expect for each treatment?
At the start of each treatment we will bring you back to the TMS room where you will be seated in front of the TMS machine. A blue cap will be placed on your head for localization purposes. The TMS helmet will then be placed on top of the cap and secured. During your first session, we will try various helmet positions and pulse intensities to find your motor cortex and your motor threshold (the amount of energy needed to stimulate your cortex) by seeing a small motor twitch in your hand or foot. You will then have your treatment which consists of brief taps (for about 2 seconds) followed by rest periods (of about 20 seconds). This lasts about 20 minutes to complete the treatment.
7 How can I get started?
All you need to do is email our dedicated TMS Coordinator, Aminah Simms, and we will call you back promptly to tell you more about the program and to discuss how we can help you.
What TMS Patients Say:
“I got tired of the medication and wanted to try something different. I liked the lack of side effects with TMS. Within a few weeks I noticed I was sleeping better and looking forward to coming in for my treatments.”