Living with a mental health condition can be burdensome and oppressive. While there are many treatment options available, medication isn’t suitable for everyone, and counseling or psychotherapy is not always accessible or effective for all patients. One innovative treatment option that patients may consider in collaboration with their therapist is TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation).Â
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure in which magnetic fields are used to stimulate specific nerve cells in the brain. During treatment, a small coil placed on the patient’s head sends painless magnetic pulses to the targeted area of the brain. TMS is well tolerated by the vast majority of patients. The person receiving TMS is awake during the treatment and can return to normal activities immediately after (no medication or anesthesia is required). Treatment time can range from five minutes to 60 minutes, depending on the type of therapy. A typical course of treatment is approximately 6 weeks. Studies suggest that combining TMS therapy with counseling or psychotherapy may lead to improved outcomes.
At CNSL, we utilize MagVenture™ TMS systems. MagVenture™ is a market leader in non-invasive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). A privately-owned manufacturer headquartered in Denmark, MagVenture™ has been a pioneer in cutting-edge TMS solutions for more than 30 years. MagVenture™ TMS systems are used for a wide range of applications, including both research and treatment, in psychiatry, neurophysiology, neurology, cognitive neuroscience, and rehabilitation.
TMS has been shown to be highly effective in treating depression, particularly major depressive disorder (MDD). In one double-blind controlled study at the Stanford University School of Medicine, TMS helped 79% of participants achieve rapid remission of depression.
Currently, TMS is FDA-approved to treat depression, however it has also been used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, smoking, and migraines. There is ongoing research to determine the efficacy of TMS on conditions like addiction, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, tinnitus, eating disorders, chronic pain, bipolar disease, Alzheimer’s, and more.Â
It’s important to know that while TMS is effective for many patients, like most other medical treatments, there are also potential downsides for some patients. Risks and side effects include headaches, neck pain, tinnitus, high sensitivity to sound, and dizziness. Always talk to your therapist about the risks and benefits of any treatment plan.Â
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be an effective treatment option for many patients suffering with mental health conditions like depression. To learn more, call CNSL directly today. We are here to provide treatment options that work.
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