Transcranial magnetic stimulation, often referred to as TMS, is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. TMS is typically used when antidepressant medications haven’t been effective, have ceased working, or as an alternative to medication.

TMS involves delivering magnetic pulses to specific parts of the brain.

A typical initial course of treatment is about 19-37 minutes daily over 4-6 weeks.

A vast majority of commercial and Medicare plans have recognized the effectiveness of treating depression with TMS Therapy and now cover TMS as part of their plans.

TMS is often described as an unfamiliar sensation. It may be uncomfortable but it should never be painful.

TMS does not circulate in the blood throughout the body, so it does not have side effects like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, nausea, dry mouth, sedation, etc. The most common side effects reported during clinical trials were headache and scalp discomfort —generally mild to moderate—occurring less frequently after the first week of treatment.

No. TMS Therapy involves a unique method of using pulsed magnetic fields for a therapeutic benefit. The intensity of the magnetic field is similar to that of an MRI. These techniques differ radically from the popular use of low-intensity, static magnetic fields. Those products deliver weak and undirected static fields that are incapable of activating brain cells. The activation and stimulation of brain cells are a crucial part of why TMS is so effective.