TMS resolves depression in one third of people who have not responded fully or at all to medications and therapy. In another third of people their symptoms get much better than on any medications. One third of patients who have not improved on medication and therapy also do not respond to TMS.

TMS is FDA cleared and very safe. Side effects are minimal and usually limited to headaches initially after treatment. When beginning treatment people can have pain at the site of magnetic stimulation on the scalp. Hearing protection is worn during treatment to protect from the noise which can be loud.

How TMS Works

During TMS, a magnet in a figure 8 is placed over the "Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex." That is the area in a depressed brain that commonly lacks blood flow and neurotransmitter activity. The TMS magnetic coil is turned on and off quickly. Like electric circuits, the neurons in the brain are activated to fire when the magnet turns on and off. When this happens this increases blood flow and neurotransmitter production and at this time this is hypothesized to be the therapeutic mechanism that allows for alleviation of depression with TMS.

What to Expect

TMS treatment is a commitment. Treatment sessions typically last 20-50 minutes and take place five days a week for six weeks. This may sound inconvenient, but most patients report enjoying having time to themselves to step back from the business of life. Nothing enters your bloodstream during treatment, there’s no need for anesthesia, and you will be fine to drive afterward.

Why Choose TMS Therapy?

Many conditions like depression, OCD, anxiety, and PTSD are treatable, but the medications prescribed don't always work or have undesired side effects. Psychotropic drugs can cause headaches, weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, dry mouth, constipation, diabetes, photosensitivity, and hair loss. TMS often causes no side effects. In over 10,000 clinical trials, the most frequent side effect was mild to moderate discomfort of the scalp.

Infrequent side effects are occasional tingling at the treatment site, lightheadedness, temporary face twitches, and a low-level temporary headache easily remedied by over-the-counter pain relievers. These side effects usually pass within a day. Severe side effects are rare. Uncommon side effects such as mania in bipolar patients, hearing damage in those who fail to wear appropriate hearing protection during treatments, and seizures have been reported in some cases.

Unlike prescription medications which must be taken daily, once a patient undergoes a round of TMS treatments, the effects are long-lasting. There are no tablets to swallow, and often no follow-up treatments are needed. Contact us for your free consultation today if you found Healing and Psychiatry by searching TMS therapy near me.

How Will I Know TMS Therapy Worked for Me?

Many TMS patients begin to feel better after a few treatments; some don't feel better until after they complete the entire course of treatments. Some will feel better for a while, then have a dip in their moods, and return to feeling better after a few more treatments. It's important to remember that everyone is different and stick with it. Around 67% of patients respond positively to treatment. As many as 45.1% of patients have a complete remission of symptoms.

When patients begin feeling better, they often report enjoying the things they used to, such as hobbies, time with their families, and spending time outside. After TMS, you may find that you're sleeping better and have more energy. You may see an improvement in your eating habits, be less irritable, in a better mood, be more patient, and have a better sense of humor. Depending on the severity of your initial depression, you may find that you're taking better care of your personal hygiene.

How to Prepare for TMS Therapy in Flagstaff

Before beginning TMS therapy, you will need to meet with a psychiatric nurse practitioner or psychiatrist to have a psychiatric evaluation. This allows your care provider to diagnose your condition and customize the best possible treatment plan for you. They may advise TMS to work in conjunction with medication management services, psychiatry. Expect to share your emotional, cognitive, and family history during your psychological evaluation.

Who Should Not Have TMS Therapy?

Because of the strong magnetic field of the TMS machine, we do not recommend TMS treatment for those who have the following:

•  Metal devices or implants in the body (There should be no metal in your body within 30 cm or about 12 inches of the area of stimulation of the magnet).
  • examples include:
    • Stents
    • Magnetic implants
    • Aneurysm coils or clips
    • Electrodes for monitoring brain activity
    • Implanted vagus nerve or deep brain stimulators
    • Cochlear implants for hearing
    • Bullet fragments
    • Implanted stimulators
    • Implanted electrical devices