TMS North Carolina: What You Should Know

Learn about the potential benefits of TMS North Carolina residents can expect in this informative article.

What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy?

If you’re seeking mental health help, you may be researching various treatment options. Among these is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This is a relatively new and non-invasive form of treatment. In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential benefits of TMS North Carolina residents can expect during their wellness journey.

TMS therapy can be effective in treating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, and multiple other conditions. It also has a low risk of side effects. Medical professionals can tailor it to each individual’s needs in terms of frequency and length of appointments. If you’re considering TMS therapy, read on to learn more about its potential benefits and how it can help your depressive symptoms.

What Is TMS?

TMS is a non-invasive and FDA-approved treatment for depression. Numerous studies and clinical trials have proved its effectiveness, especially for those who haven’t seen results from antidepressants or therapy.

How Does TMS Work?

TMS works by using magnetic pulses to stimulate regions of the brain associated with mood regulation. It is a safe and affordable option for those suffering from depression who are looking for an alternative to drugs or other treatments.

Medical professionals monitor each TMS session and its effects to ensure the best possible outcome. This therapy typically occurs over a series of thirty-minute visits. Looking for TMS North Carolina therapies can lead to lasting change and improved quality of life for those struggling with depression.¹

Learn More About TMS

TMS Basics

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive and relatively simple technique typically used in neuropsychiatry. An electromagnetic coil positioned near the forehead sends a series of short, highly focused electrical pulses. It produces a small electric current in the area of the brain that controls mood. These electric currents stimulate nerve cells with decreased activity. This results in improved depressive symptoms. Different approaches to TMS use different frequency levels and placements on the scalp to treat various conditions presented by patients.

While results vary from patient to patient, TMS has proven especially effective for people with treatment-resistant depression and other related problems. Its success rate has continued to increase as researchers gain more understanding of how this form of therapy works.²

Types of TMS Therapy

When searching for TMS North Carolina services, it’s essential to know that there are different types of TMS therapies. There are three main types of therapy for TMS: single pulse (regular TMS), repetitive TMS (rTMS), and deep TMS (dTMS).

You can access each type in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area or surrounding locations like Apex, Wake Forest, or Garner.

TMS North Carolina: What to Expect at a Therapy Appointment

Before starting your first TMS appointment, it can be helpful to research what to expect. Typically, the process begins with an evaluation of your symptoms and concerns. You may then have to answer questions about your mental and physical health history and the medications you are taking if any.

At each session, you must remove any earrings, jewelry, or glasses with metal in them. Metal will interfere with the treatment.

TMS consists of magnetic pulses that stimulate underactive areas of the brain. Your provider will often give you earplugs or other types of hearing protection. This is because the sound of the magnet can be loud enough to harm some people’s hearing.

What Does TMS Feel Like?

TMS North Carolina sessions generally last around thirty to forty minutes. Many patients report the process as easy and painless. The only sensations you would feel are a slight tapping on your skull and some twitching in your hands or arms. This shows that the pulses are at the right frequency.

Your doctor or medical team will be there for guidance throughout the entire process and will ensure that you feel comfortable during all aspects of treatment.³

TMS North Carolina: Side Effects of Therapy

TMS North Carolina therapy can be an effective and safe treatment for a variety of mental health conditions when performed by a trained, licensed professional.

Nonetheless, as with all treatments, side effects can occur with TMS therapy. The severity and duration of these effects will vary from person to person. The most commonly reported ones include:⁴

Headaches
Scalp or facial discomfort
Pain at the treatment site
Lightheadedness
Hearing changes or tinnitus
Twitching of facial muscles after the appointment has ended
Neck or shoulder stiffness

Understanding the Impact of TMS Therapy

Consult your doctor if you experience any intense or unusual reactions associated with your TMS North Carolina treatment sessions.

With proper care and support from qualified healthcare providers, these side effects should not adversely affect your health in the long term. These side effects often mean that your TMS provider simply has to change the frequency of the magnetic pulses.

How Long Does It Take for TMS Therapy to Work?

TMS can take a few weeks to work properly. Many patients report seeing changes in as soon as a week or two. However, everyone’s body reacts differently. For some, it can take up to six weeks before they start noticing their symptoms improve.

The frequency and length of your appointment may affect how soon therapy for TMS North Carolina residents starts to work for you or your loved one.

Patience Is Key for Optimal Results

It is important for those receiving TMS North Carolina therapy to give the process enough time to be effective. Your physician will regularly check up on your progress. You should get the best care tailored to your needs if you persist with the treatment.

Studies show that 50%–60% of patients who experience treatment-resistant depression have found multiple benefits from TMS. Consulting with your doctor or medical provider and seeing if you can use other treatments concurrently may also be beneficial.⁵

rTMS vs. Deep TMS

rTMS, or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, works by transmitting magnetic pulses at a specific frequency rate through the scalp directly to areas of the brain associated with depression. This helps to rewire it. The idea is that these pulses enhance communication between nerve cells in affected areas and help relieve depressive symptoms.

rTMS is often the most common type of TMS therapy that medical professionals utilize, as many patients need the repetitive pulses it provides.

Deep TMS

Deep TMS, or dTMS, is another viable option. It differs from regular TMS in terms of the frequency, intensity, and duration of the stimulation as well as its target area. The magnetic field created by dTMS can penetrate further down into the brain than regular TMS.

This means it can stimulate deeper neuromodulatory regions, leading to more profound and longer-lasting effects with higher efficacy and fewer side effects.⁶

Is Deep TMS More Effective?

Is deep TMS North Carolina more effective than regular rTMS? This often varies from patient to patient. However, research has shown that dTMS improved symptoms in over 75% of patients with major depressive disorder.⁷

What Conditions Does TMS Treat?

TMS North Carolina can safely and effectively treat a variety of debilitating conditions. These include anxiety, depression, PTSD, and ADHD.

Anxiety

While medical professionals do not frequently utilize TMS for anxiety, it can help alleviate some symptoms through the same deep brain stimulation. TMS can reduce fatigue, excessive worry, and racing thoughts.

What Is Anxiety?

Depression

Researchers specifically designed TMS to help with depression, which is precisely what medical teams use it for most often. It is especially helpful for those with long-term or chronic depressive symptoms.

PTSD

TMS North Carolina therapy can treat many symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Those with PTSD often experience increased suicidal thoughts and other health issues. TMS can help PTSD patients who struggle with any long-term symptoms of the disorder.⁸

ADHD

While medical professionals do not often use this therapy to ease symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), TMS North Carolina may be beneficial for treatment-resistant long-term symptoms. However, researchers have not conducted many studies on its efficacy for ADHD.

Not only is TMS an effective alternative treatment for these medical issues, but it also offers a more comfortable option than medications or surgeries. It does not require anesthesia or has any major side effects. By providing an accessible opportunity for long-lasting symptom relief, TMS offers renewed hope to those struggling with mental health conditions.

What Is ADHD?

How Long Do the Effects of TMS North Carolina Last?

The effects of TMS tend to be long-lasting, especially when patients and their medical teams regularly maintain treatment. A combination of other therapies, such as counseling or medication, can also enhance the effects. Many users of this therapy report improved mental well-being for six to twelve months following a course of TMS treatment. Patients often report feeling “lighter” after undergoing TMS, with improved cognitive clarity and emotional regulation emerging as common improvements.⁹

Depending on the mental health disorder, the effects of TMS may also change. Since TMS is primarily for depression, the length of time for people with other disorders to feel its effects differ.

TMS Considerations

Each person’s experience with TMS North Carolina treatment varies depending on underlying conditions. If you are interested in exploring this treatment method, please consult your healthcare provider today. They will give you more information about what to expect from TMS therapy and whether it might be an ideal solution for your situation.

What if TMS Therapy Doesn’t Work for Me?

If TMS isn’t working for you, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach, meaning everyone will respond to each therapeutic method differently. For example, some may benefit from medications while others may not experience any improvements.

The key is finding what works best for you.

Why Doesn’t TMS Work for Me?

It is possible for people to experience limited or little improvement with TMS. There is no definite answer as to why this may be the case. There could be multiple factors at play, from biological differences to lifestyle changes. Therefore, you and your treatment team should continue trying different methods to find the best fit and begin the journey toward wellness.

Even if TMS North Carolina treatment sessions do not work for you, there may be other treatment options you can discuss with your medical provider or mental health clinic. No single treatment works for everyone. Developing a plan for new treatment avenues can help improve your symptoms. That way, you can get the help you need and deserve for whatever symptoms you may be experiencing.

Is TMS North Carolina Covered By Insurance?

Utilizing TMS North Carolina treatments can be an effective way of treating depression. Still, the cost can be a deterrent for many. Luckily, insurance coverage for TMS is increasing, and more providers are covering it than ever before. Although coverage requirements vary depending on the insurer, many companies offer at least partial coverage of TMS services in the United States and Canada.

It is important to note that Medicare and Medicaid do not usually cover TMS, but this could change in the near future. If you’re considering getting TMS treatment, it is worth contacting your insurance provider to find out what type of coverage they offer and if any other payment options are available to you.

Accessibility of TMS Therapy in the Triangle

Since the FDA has approved TMS as an effective treatment, health insurance providers are more likely to cover it. Regardless, coverage and accessibility will vary depending on your insurance carrier or plan. Still, many health insurance companies in the Triangle or surrounding areas like Clayton, Wake Forest, and Apex see TMS as a valid and effective way of treating treatment-resistant depression.

Make sure you meet with your doctor or insurance company to see if there are other ways to get TMS covered for your depression treatment in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area.

Can TMS Be Combined With Other Treatment Options?

Medical professionals often use transcranial magnetic stimulation in conjunction with other treatment options. Utilizing multiple treatment modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, and TMS, can provide a comprehensive plan to target different aspects of mental health.

For example, if you are trying to achieve longer-lasting relief from depression symptoms, combining TMS with antidepressant medications may help increase the efficacy of both treatments. Additionally, patients who receive TMS with psychotherapy can experience improved access to higher levels of well-being. This is because psychotherapy focuses on addressing the root cause of an individual’s struggles, providing a deeper understanding of the symptoms and how to manage them.

Personalized Treatment Opportunities

Understanding that every person’s recovery will likely require a unique combination of treatments for the best results is essential. No single or combination of treatment options will work for everyone.

If you are looking for TMS North Carolina treatment opportunities, speak with your medical provider about combining treatment options. This may allow you and your medical team to address certain concerns more effectively.

TMS North Carolina: Where to Get Treatment in Raleigh

If you are looking for a place to seek treatment for TMS North Carolina treatment, many options are available. Your best resource is to consult your physician and request their advice on the best course of action for your specific needs. A qualified healthcare provider can refer you to experienced TMS providers in your area.

Additionally, many health insurance providers offer coverage for TMS in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area. By contacting your insurer, you can determine which practitioners are in-network and covered under your plan.

Finding the Right Treatment for You

Regardless of the path you choose, evaluate any specialist you consider seeing thoroughly. Ensure they have an established track record with reputable qualifications and experience treating mental health conditions like yours.

Finding the right treatment can make a world of difference in managing depression effectively. TMS treatment may be the best fit for you and your symptoms.

TMS North Carolina: Get Help at Advaita Integrated Medicine (Advaita Integrated Medicine)

If you find yourself researching “TMS North Carolina,” Advaita Integrated Medicine is here to help. Advaita Integrated Medicine offers TMS as a therapy option for those in Raleigh and nearby cities. Dr. R. Dewayne Book, M.D., a board-certified adult psychiatrist with subspecialty training in psychopharmacology, administers this cutting-edge therapy.

At Advaita Integrated Medicine, we leverage an interdisciplinary team to provide the best care possible for our patients. In addition to TMS therapy, we also offer primary care services such as physicals, wellness visits, and treatment programs to treat mental health and substance abuse disorders. With the help of BrainsWay technology, Advaita Integrated Medicine provides a safe and effective treatment option for those suffering from depression and other mental health issues.

Contact Advaita Integrated Medicine Today

Our team will meet with you to create an individualized treatment plan to help address your symptoms. Remember that you should never be ashamed of seeking TMS North Carolina treatment. Getting all the help you can for your mental health is of the utmost importance.

Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or want to begin treatment.

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Reach out to Advaita Integrated Medicine today and let us guide you toward a full and rewarding life uninhibited by mental health or substance use disorder challenges. We are here to support you every step of the way.

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