Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

A non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression using magnetic pulses to stimulate brain activity, ideal for patients who haven’t responded to traditional treatments.

What is TMS?

TMS is a fast acting medication-free treatment for Major Depressive Disorder. This non-invasive treatment utilizes magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain.

TMS can help

✓ FDA Cleared

✓ Non-drug

✓ Non-invasive

✓ No side effects of drugs

✓ Not ECT (electroconvulsive therapy)

✓ Long-lasting symptom relief

✓ Covered by most insurance

Is TMS reimbursed?

TMS Therapy is widely reimbursed by both private and public health insurance companies. It is also recommended by the American Psychiatric Association if an individual has not received the needed benefits from antidepressant, TMS Therapy should be considered as a next treatment option instead of changing to a different antidepressant.

How TMS programs work and what to expect in a session

For best results, TMS sessions need to be scheduled daily or at least twice a week. Some patients notice antidepressant effects after approximately 5 sessions. However, it’s important to remember that just as the individual causes of depression differ so does the response to treatment. Generally, we recommend between 20 to 30 sessions to consolidate the antidepressant effects. You can complete a full course of treatment within one to two months.

This makes TMS a fast-acting treatment programme for patients looking for an alternative to antidepressant medication.

All TMS treatments are supervised by a trained psychiatrist, psychologist or psychiatric nurse. The sessions are conducted in a comfortable treatment chair, where a magnetic coil is placed over your head. The coil generates a pulsating magnetic field, stimulating the target areas within the brain. The magnetic field generates a noticeable ticking sound. While the stimulation is not painful, many patients notice a tingling sensation on their scalp.

Advantages of TMS

1. Safe

TMS therapy focuses on the areas of the brain that controls mood. Unlike Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), there have been no reported negative effects on thinking and memory, or any other normal brain functions.

2.Convenient

During TMS therapy, there is no need for sedation or anesthesia. The patient is awake, alert, and can resume normal activities right after a treatment session. This makes TMS a viable treatment offering for hospital settings and outpatient therapy centres.

3. Medication-free

TMS is 100% free of side effects associated with medication. Unlike traditional antidepressant medications, TMS therapy does not cause weight gain, sexual dysfunction, nausea, fatigue, or negative cognitive effects.

4. Efficient

Typically, only a 6-week course of 45 minutes per day treatments are needed, unlike medications that can take months to stabilize mood. After a course of TMS Therapy, most patients enjoy long-lasting benefits.

5. Natural

TMS therapy uses magnetic energy to stimulate brain cells, helping the brain to naturally release the chemicals necessary for proper mood regulation. Patients who have not been helped by medications may prefer this treatment option.

6. Backed by science

We only apply protocols that have shown clinical efficacy. By combining TMS with psychotherapy, 66% of the population who suffer depression achieved positive outcomes, according to recent studies.