What to Expect During a TMS Therapy Session

Tms Columbia, SC

When antidepressants and psychotherapy are not enough to relieve symptoms of depression, patients can consider alternative options like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for relief. TMS is safe and effective. Aside from being non-invasive, it is non-systemic, which means that it does not get into the bloodstream like medications since it is not administered orally. If you have been recommended for a TMS therapy session, it can be easy to feel nervous about the unknown. This article covers what to expect during the procedure. 

Overview of the treatment session

For TMS therapy, patients will undergo a session five days per week continuously for four to six weeks. Each session lasts between 20 to 50 minutes. Patients are expected to visit the office for the procedure, which is handled by a TMS technician or physician. A magnetic coil, which has the same strength as an MRI machine, is placed on the patient's head. Since the procedure creates a magnetic field, patients will be asked to take off magnetic-sensitive items such as credit cards, phones or jewelry.

Before receiving treatment

The doctor will perform a physical or psychiatric evaluation before administering treatment to determine if there is any pre-existing condition that can inhibit TMS treatment or cause complications. Patients need to inform the doctor of their health status, current medications, or if they have any mental health disorders aside from depression.

Starting the treatment

The foremost TMS session takes a different form because the provider needs to make adjustments and determine the optimal energy settings from how the brain responds to the stimulation. The technician will watch the patient's motor threshold by targeting the motor cortex to know the level of intensity required for optimal brain stimulation. The physician will send several quick pulses to the brain and watch when the hands and fingers twitch to know when the patient has reached their motor threshold.

After watching the motor cortex's response, the prefrontal cortex will get the same pulse intensity, which is believed to be associated with depression. Targeting the prefrontal cortex with the magnetic pulses triggers serotonin (the neurotransmitter that regulates mood) production in the brain. The technician may check the patient's motor threshold after the first treatment if it appears to have changed since the last session.

During treatment

The magnetic coils will send pulses continuously throughout the brain during the treatment session. During the stimulation, there will be a clicking noise and taps on the head around the point of coil placement.

Patients will be fully conscious during TMS therapy since no sedation or anesthesia is needed. There is no recovery period and patients can drive themselves home afterward and resume their routine. If patients wish to quit the procedure during a session, they can inform the technician to stop the treatment since they will be around throughout the session.

In summary

Patients have varying responses to TMS therapy, which means the experience is hardly the same. The procedure is generally painless and the minimal side effects that might occur soon disappear after each session. Overall, most patients have a successful procedure.

Get more information here: https://futurepsychsolutions.com or call Future Psych Solutions at (803) 335-5232

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: TMS in Columbia, SC.

Recent Posts

Tips From A Psychiatrist On Taking Care Of Your Mental Health

Although often overlooked, mental health is just as important as physical health. Whether you have a mental disorder or are going through a difficult time due to external factors, a psychiatrist can provide professional help. You can also follow several self-care tips outside of treatment to help make your mental health journey easier.Self-care is crucial…

Suboxone As Part Of Opioid Addiction Treatment

Suboxone treatment has helped many who struggle with an opioid addiction find relief and live a higher quality life overall. Suboxone treatment, combined with other forms of treatment, is often very effective. Still, it is essential to know about the drawbacks of any potential treatment, including possible side effects.At Future Psych Solutions, patients can receive…

7 Lifestyle Changes To Help With ADHD Treatment

Curious about what can help your ADHD treatment work better? Read on to learn more. ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. ADHD treatment options include medication and therapy. However, positive lifestyle changes can also significantly improve the symptoms and quality of life. This article covers different lifestyle changes that…

What Happens During TMS Treatment?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS treatment, is a non-invasive method of mood regulation. It uses magnetic energy to excite target neurotransmitters responsible for mental disorders like depression. Understanding what this treatment is about can help you prepare for it. Here are the details about what happens during a TMS treatment.Talking to the doctor before the…

Recent Posts

Tips From A Psychiatrist On Taking Care Of Your Mental Health

Tips From A Psychiatrist On Taking Care Of Your Mental Health

Although often overlooked, mental health is just as important as physical health. Whether you have a mental disorder or are going through a difficult time due to external factors, a psychiatrist can provide professional help. You can also follow several self-care tips outside of treatment to help make your mental health journey easier.Self-care is crucial…

Suboxone As Part Of Opioid Addiction Treatment

Suboxone As Part Of Opioid Addiction Treatment

Suboxone treatment has helped many who struggle with an opioid addiction find relief and live a higher quality life overall. Suboxone treatment, combined with other forms of treatment, is often very effective. Still, it is essential to know about the drawbacks of any potential treatment, including possible side effects.At Future Psych Solutions, patients can receive…