What’s TMS treatment? To answer that, we should start from the beginning. In 1985, Anthony Barker and his colleagues at the University of Sheffield in England developed the first successful TMS coil. They used a magnetic stimulator to induce electric currents in the brain of a healthy volunteer to produce hand movements.
Since then, physicians and scientists have been extensively researching TMS. Through years of clinical trials and studies, they successfully refined TMS to treat various conditions.
The most common side effects of TMS therapy are mild and include headache, scalp discomfort, facial twitching, and lightheadedness. These usually subside after the first few sessions. If the side effects persist, patients can reduce symptoms with painkillers, or TMS technicians can adjust the stimulation intensity.
TMS therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated by most people. However, it is not suitable for everyone. Some people may have contraindications or risk factors that make them ineligible for TMS therapy. These include:
What’s TMS Treatment and What’s the Effectiveness? Find out below.
Many individuals experience treatment-resistant depression, with up to 30% of patients not responding to antidepression medication. Evidence has shown TMS therapy to not only improve symptoms of depression but help over one-third of patients achieve remission.2
According to a meta-analysis of eighty-one studies involving more than four thousand patients, TMS therapy significantly improved depressive symptoms compared to sham (placebo) stimulation.3
In a study examining TMS and OCD symptoms, researchers found a significant increase in symptom improvement. The results showed that 38% of patients responded to TMS therapy, while only 11% responded to the placebo.4
A pilot study evaluating TMS for smoking reduction showed promising results. At a twenty-five-day follow-up, 90% of patients reported maintaining abstinence from smoking and reduced cravings. These findings were consistent with other similar studies.5
At Advaita Integrated Medicine, we offer TMS treatment for individuals in the Triangle and surrounding cities like Apex, Garner, and Wake Forest. What’s TMS treatment like at Advaita Integrated Medicine? TMS involves a small, handheld device that delivers electromagnetic pulses to brain regions that regulate mood. These pulses stimulate nerve cells to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
There are three devices that target different areas of the brain depending on the condition:
At each session, the patient will sit comfortably in a chair. The technician will provide earplugs to protect the eardrums, place the device on the patient’s head, and begin the treatment. The patient will remain awake and alert during the session. Patients may experience mild discomfort or tingling sensations during the session. These sensations are temporary and do not cause any lasting side effects.
What’s TMS treatment like after each session? After each session, patients can resume their normal activities right away. They may notice some improvement in their mood after one or two weeks of treatment, but it may take longer for some people. The effects of TMS therapy vary from person to person, depending on their individual response and other factors such as medication use, lifestyle habits, stress levels, etc.
What’s TMS treatment’s duration?TMS therapy at Advaita Integrated Medicine involves multiple weekly sessions for four to six weeks, with each session typically lasting forty-five minutes. Depending on the patient and their condition, session and treatment length may vary.
To maintain the benefits of TMS therapy, patients may need to have follow-up sessions every few months or years. Physicians will monitor their progress and advise them on how often they need to repeat the treatment.
We work closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans based on their unique needs and goals. Medical providers can provide TMS therapy as an individual treatment or in combination with other forms of therapy.
If you are interested in what’s TMS treatment and live in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area, you can set up a consultation with us. Our team will evaluate your medical history, perform a physical exam, and conduct tests to determine if you are a good candidate for TMS therapy.
What’s TMS treatment? TMS is an innovative and promising treatment option for people with depression who have not found relief from other therapies. It works by stimulating specific areas of the brain with magnetic pulses that may enhance their function and mood. It is safe, effective, non-invasive, and has few side effects.