TMS FAQ’s

tms faq's

Transcranial Magnetic Therapy (TMS) is an FDA Approved, medication-free treatment for resistant depression. This innovative approach stimulates targeted areas of the brain using magnetic fields, promoting positive changes in mood.

Most insurance plans cover TMS, making it accessible to many who seek relief from debilitating symptoms and aim to regain their quality of life.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, primarily to treat depression and other mental health conditions. Here’s how it works, step-by-step:

🔹 1. The Science Behind It
TMS targets the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain often underactive in people with depression. By stimulating this region, TMS helps “wake up” those areas and improve mood regulation.

🔹 2. Magnetic Pulses Are the Key
Using a device placed on your scalp, TMS delivers repetitive magnetic pulses (rTMS) that pass through the skull painlessly. The pulses generate small electrical currents in your brain tissue to activate neurons.

🔹 3. What Happens During a Session
You sit comfortably in a chair.

A coil is placed gently against your head.

You’ll hear clicking sounds and may feel a light tapping sensation.

Sessions usually last 20–40 minutes, 5 days a week, for 4–6 weeks.

🔹 4. Why It’s Different from Medication
Unlike antidepressants, TMS:

Has fewer side effects (no weight gain, fatigue, or sexual dysfunction).

Doesn’t affect the whole body—only the targeted brain region.

Can work even when medication hasn’t.

🔹 5. What It’s Used For
While primarily used for treatment-resistant depression, TMS is also being explored for:

Anxiety disorders

PTSD

OCD

Chronic pain

Smoking cessation

Summary

TMS is like a gym workout for your brain—strengthening neural pathways and encouraging better communication in areas that control mood. It’s safe, effective, and often a game-changer for people who haven’t found relief through traditional therapies.

Yes — TMS treatment is absolutely a viable alternative if you’re experiencing negative side effects from antidepressant medication or if those medications have stopped working.

Here’s why:

🔹 1. It’s FDA-Approved for Treatment-Resistant Depression
TMS is specifically designed for people who:

Have not responded well to 1 or more antidepressants, or

Have intolerable side effects from medication (like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or fatigue)

If that sounds like your experience, you’re not alone — and you’re a strong candidate for TMS.

🔹 How They Work

TMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the part of the brain responsible for mood regulation — the prefrontal cortex. It’s highly targeted and doesn’t affect the whole brain.

ECT, on the other hand, uses controlled electrical currents to induce a brief seizure under general anesthesia. This broader stimulation can be effective, especially in severe cases.

🔹 What to Expect During Treatment

TMS sessions are done while you’re sitting relaxed in a char and remain awake. There’s no anesthesia, and you can drive yourself home afterward. Each session typically lasts 20–40 minutes, and treatments are given five days a week for several weeks.

ECT is more intensive as it requires administering general anesthesia and the procedure is performed in a hospital. Afterwards, you’ll need recovery time from the sedation and arrange for a ride home.

🔹 Side Effects

TMS has minimal side effects, usually limited to mild scalp discomfort or a headache during or after treatment. It does not affect memory.

ECT can have side effects like confusion, temporary memory loss,  or physical effects like nausea or muscle aches. These effects tend to subside, but they can be distressing to some patients.

🔹 When Is Each Used?

TMS is ideal for individuals with treatment-resistant depression who want a non-invasive option with little to no downtime.

ECT is typically reserved for severe depression, especially in cases involving suicidal thoughts, psychotic symptoms, or when a faster response is needed.

✅ The Bottom Line

Both TMS and ECT can be life-changing treatments for people struggling with depression. However, TMS offers a non-invasive, medication-free option with minimal side effects, making it a popular choice for those who haven’t found relief through traditional methods.

If you or someone you love is considering advanced mental health treatment, talk to your provider about which option makes the most sense for your unique situation.

TMS Has Minimal Side Effects:

Unlike medication, TMS doesn’t flood your entire body with chemicals. It targets a specific area of the brain. The most common side effects are:

Mild scalp discomfort or headache

Tingling or tapping sensations during treatment

No systemic side effects like those seen with medications.

TMS IS Safe & Non-Invasive:

No surgery

No sedation or anesthesia

No disruption to your daily routine — you can drive yourself to and from appointments

The short answer is no, TMS therapy does not hurt — but you might feel a little discomfort.

Some people say it feels like a woodpecker gently tapping or a mild “pulse” sensation. The sensation can feel a bit strange at first, but it usually fades after a few sessions as your body adjusts.

Absolutely — yes, you can still take antidepressants while receiving TMS treatment.

In fact, many patients continue their current medications during TMS and experience improved results with the combination.

🔹 Here’s Why It’s Safe (and Sometimes Recommended):
TMS works through a different mechanism than medication. While antidepressants affect brain chemistry through the bloodstream, TMS uses magnetic pulses to directly stimulate the areas of the brain involved in mood regulation.

This means they don’t interfere with each other — and for many people, using both can lead to better symptom relief.

🔹 Your Treatment Team Will Guide You
Before starting TMS, your provider will review your medication list and decide what’s safe to continue.

Some people gradually reduce or stop medications after TMS if symptoms improve, but only under medical supervision.

🔹 When Combination Therapy Makes Sense
TMS and antidepressants together may be helpful if:

You’ve had partial relief with medication, but still struggle with symptoms

You’ve reached a plateau in progress

You want to avoid increasing your medication dosage

✅ Bottom Line:
Yes, you can take antidepressants during TMS therapy. In many cases, TMS is part of a broader treatment plan that includes medication and talk therapy — and combining these tools can help you feel like yourself again, faster.

Short Answer:
The effects of TMS can last for months — even years — but booster sessions may be needed over time.

🔹 Here’s What the Research Shows:
About 2 out of 3 people who respond to TMS experience lasting improvement in their symptoms.

For many, the benefits last 6 months to a year or longer.

Some patients feel so well that they don’t need any additional treatment after their initial course.

🔹 What If Symptoms Return?
If depression symptoms start to return, many clinics offer “maintenance” or “booster” sessions, which can help keep symptoms under control.

These may look like:

A few sessions per month

A short re-treatment course

Personalized plans based on your needs

🔹 Long-Term Success Improves With Support
The lasting power of TMS is often strongest when paired with:

Talk therapy or counseling

Lifestyle changes (exercise, sleep, stress management)

Ongoing mental health support

✅ Bottom Line:
TMS isn’t just a short-term fix. For many people, it offers sustained relief from depression — and if symptoms come back, you can safely return for booster sessions.